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Embu: Muguka Farmers Passionately Welcome Withdrawal of Controversial Crops (Amendment) Bill

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EMBU, Kenya – In a significant win for Embu County and Muguka farmers nationwide, Kilifi North Member of Parliament Owen Baya formally retracted the Crops (Amendment) Bill 2024, which had suggested removing the definition of miraa from the Crops Act.

If the Bill had seen the light of day, then such a move would have essentially barred the muguka trade from any form of government assistance and legal recognition.

Governor Cecily Mbarire held a series of high-level consultation discussions with Embu elders, who expressed strong opposition to the Bill, before the withdrawal in early June 2025.

The livelihoods of thousands of muguka farmers and the region’s larger agricultural sector were deemed to be seriously threatened by the amendment, according to Governor Mbarire and other leaders.

Governor Mbarire reiterated the county’s dedication to preserving its agricultural foundation while speaking on behalf of the people of Embu.

“Muguka is not just a crop—it is a source of income, employment, and pride for many families in Embu and beyond. We express our gratitude to MP Baya for hearing our concerns and rejecting the proposed change,” said Governor Mbarire.

What should be done to improve the muguka sector

Many have hailed the ruling as a victory for farmer-led campaigning, devolution, and grassroots consultation. As with other high-value commodities, Embu officials are now urging the national government to take things a step further by funding muguka research, regulation, and organised marketing.

According to Governor Mbarire, this new development reinforces the power of collaborative leadership and underscores the need for inclusive national policymaking.

“Especially when it comes to agricultural reforms that directly affect rural livelihoods and county economies,” added the county boss.

Muguka farming is a significant economic activity in Embu County, with an estimated 65,000 residents involved in its production.

The crop is a major source of income for many families, contributing an estimated Sh22 billion annually to the county’s economy.

Why a Senate committee recently toured Embu County

Despite its economic importance, muguka farming faces challenges, including bans in some regions and concerns about its impact on youth.

Meanwhile, the Senate Standing Committee on National Security, Defence, and Foreign Relations recently held a public participation forum at the Mbeere South Constituency CDF Hall to gather views on the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (Amendment) Bill.

The Bill seeks to amend the current legislation by removing cathinone and cathine—the active compounds found in miraa and muguka—from the list of substances regulated under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (Control) Act.

The forum was led by Embu County Senator Alexander Munyi Mundigi, in the company of fellow Senate Committee members, including Senator Fatuma Dullo Adan (Isiolo), Senator Erick Okongo Mogeni (Nyamira), and Senator Joseph Githuku Kamau (Lamu).

They were joined by senior Embu County Government officials, including the County Executive Committee Member for Public Service and Administration, Emilio Kathuri, and Chief Officer Paul Njoroge Thiga.

Why muguka farmers have always been up in arms

Miraa and muguka farmers from across the county turned up in large numbers to voice their support for the Bill. Many underscored the fact that Muguka is a major cash crop and a vital source of income for thousands of households in Embu and surrounding counties.

They expressed concern over the negative economic impact of any attempts to criminalise the crop.

Farmers also presented research findings indicating that both miraa and muguka originate from the same plant genus, questioning the rationale behind regulating one (muguka) while the other (miraa) remains legal.

“Our livelihoods depend on muguka farming. If this opportunity is taken away, our youth may be pushed toward crime due to a lack of income-generating alternatives,” said one of the local farmers during the forum.

The session marked a significant step in the ongoing national dialogue surrounding the legal and economic status of muguka, with further deliberations expected in the Senate based on feedback from this and other public forums.

Dennis Lubanga
Dennis Lubanga
Dennis Lubanga, an expert in politics, climate change, and food security, now enhances Y News with his seasoned storytelling skills.

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