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President William Ruto is navigating turbulent political waters as he addresses a slew of demands from Kenya's youth, sparked by the anti-Finance Bill protests in June.

The youth, particularly Gen Z, have not only pushed for the withdrawal of the Finance Bill 2024 but also presented a formidable list of 14 additional demands.

With strategic manoeuvres, Ruto has managed to meet five of these demands, though several critical issues remain unaddressed.

Last month, a comprehensive list of demands surfaced online, adding to the existing call for the Finance Bill’s withdrawal. Our analysis reveals that Ruto has acted on three of these demands while six others, including a call for his resignation, are still pending.

Complete

Among his recent moves, Ruto announced the dismissal of all but one Cabinet member, partially meeting the demand to overhaul the Cabinet.

However, he retained Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, whose position is widely considered illegitimate. Mudavadi will continue to oversee ministerial affairs until a new, "broad-based" Cabinet is formed, highlighting the ongoing power struggles within Ruto's administration.

Gen Z's demands also called for the elimination of illegal and illegitimate positions, such as the Chief Administrative Secretaries (CAS) roles and the publicly funded offices of the First Lady, Second Lady, and Mudavadi’s wife.

Ruto has complied with this demand, but it remains uncertain whether the funds will be redirected to employ teachers and doctors as demanded.

In another significant move, Ruto accepted the resignation of Inspector General of Police Japhet Koome, aligning with the youth's demand.

On the employment front, Ruto has assured that all Junior Secondary School (JSS) teachers will be placed on permanent and pensionable terms by the end of 2024.

This commitment, made during the commissioning of a power substation in Kajiado County, reflects Ruto's attempt to address grievances despite the financial challenges posed by the Finance Bill's withdrawal.

A graphics image with President William Ruto and text.

Photo

Steven Wambia, Kenyans.co.ke

In Progress

The demand for a detailed audit of the national debt has also seen partial progress. Ruto established a task force to audit the debt, but this effort was halted by the court following challenges to its constitutionality.

The court's temporary injunction highlights the legal and bureaucratic hurdles Ruto faces in addressing the youth's concerns.

Additional demands include the immediate constitution of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to facilitate the recall of rogue MPs and hold fresh elections. On this, Ruto has signed the IEBC Amendment Bill 2024 into law, paving the way for the appointment of a selection pannel that will conduct the vetting of commissioners.

On the demand for the re-employment of intern doctors on previous terms of Ksh206,400, Ruto's government has been embroiled in talks with the medical interns all week. 

The Ministry of Health and medical interns reached an agreement to immediately post 552 interns and plan on how and when the government will post the others.

Despite the consensus, infighting among the interns has surfaced, threatening to derail the process. The Ministry and the interns are still negotiating the timeline for posting the remaining interns, and the salaries. The interns are holding out for Ksh206,400 per month as outlined in the 2017 CBA, but the ministry wants to pay Ksh70,000.

A graphics image with President William Ruto and pending demands from Gen Zs.

Photo

Steven Wambia, Kenyans.co.ke

Pending

However, the Housing Levy remains a contentious issue. Young Kenyans demanded its abolition, an audit of the funds collected, and a refund of contributions. Despite these calls, Ruto has not budged, and the High Court recently upheld the levy, citing the complexity of reversing contracts and projects already underway.

The restoration of the Linda Mama program, which provides free maternity services, is another unresolved issue. 

The other demand under health was the scraping of the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF). On this, Ruto is not budging. 

However, on Friday, the court made decisions on the Social Health Insurance Act (SHIA) have added layers of complexity, with rulings suspended to allow for appeals and implementations within a set timeframe.

Moreover, Ruto has yet to address the demand to cap MPs' salaries and allowances at Ksh 200,000, dismiss officials with criminal records, and obey court orders.

The youth also called for the scrapping of the Women Rep position to reallocate funds towards increasing civil servants' salaries, and for government officials to use state-owned vehicles and aircraft to curb corruption and conflict of interest.

Restoring the school feeding program fund and increasing funding for education and health while cutting executive and legislative budgets are further demands that remain unmet. 

These demands highlight the broader socio-economic concerns of Kenya's youth, who are pressing for systemic changes to address corruption, inefficiency, and inequity.

President Ruto's actions thus far reveal a complex interplay between bold reforms and entrenched challenges.

As he continues to navigate these demands, the youth's unwavering stance signifies a growing impatience for tangible, systemic change in Kenya's governance and socio-economic landscape.

A graphics image of President William Ruto and text, Saturday, July 13.

Photo

Steven Wambia, Kenyans.co.ke

President William Ruto sought to clarify every plan the government was yet to roll out, following pressure from enraged Gen Z over the Finance Bill, widely reported as controversial for its proposed punitive taxes.

The head of state later opted to withdraw the Finance Bill during a press conference on 27th June 2024, following deadly protests that saw Parliament and the Judiciary set ablaze.

In response to the ensuing demonstrations, Ruto, for the first time, utilized various platforms to articulate and elaborate on the government’s intentions.

The Finance Bill became the central topic of discussion across Kenya, capturing the attention of individuals and businesses alike and prompting the head of state to provide clarifications.

During a session on social media platform X with young Kenyans on 5th July 2024, Ruto addressed details concerning the Finance Bill, funding allocated for cancer treatment under Universal Health Care (UHC), the Hustler Fund, and the appointment of judges, among other issues.

President William Ruto chairs a Cabinet Meeting at State House on Thursday, June 13, 2024.

PCS

Kenyans.co.ke did extensive research through the government's publicly available reports and other sources to establish various claims from the X space conversation.

Claim 1: On Increasing Land Rates 

Ruto said "The Finance Bill was a big thing of many falsehoods and propaganda. The bill has something about increasing Land Rates - there is not a single sentence on Land Rates."

Verdict: Correct.

The Finance Bill had no mention of land rates.

Clarification.

The Land Act amendment bill, sponsored by Ruiru Member of Parliament Simon King'ara, coincided with the Finance Bill 2024.

The Bill proposed to amend the Land Act 2012 to enable the government to levy annual charges on freehold landowners.

It sought to amend the Land Act by inserting a new levy after section 54, requiring freehold landowners—those who hold perpetual ownership and unrestricted use of their property—to pay land rent.

"The Land Act 2012 is amended by inserting the following new sections immediately after Section 54 (the owner of any freehold land situated within the boundaries of any urban area or city shall pay an annual land levy equivalent to land rent charged on a comparable leasehold land or property of the same size in the same zone."

This would have seen owners of freehold land within or close to urban areas pay an annual land levy in addition to normal land rates. Among those who were to feel the pain of additional levies were homeowners on ancestral land on the fringes of the city.

The National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung'wah withdrew the controversial Land Bill. In a letter dated June 13, Ichung'wah informs the speaker that the withdrawal is informed by constitutional and legal issues that arose from the Bill.

National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung'wah addresses a crowd during an event in Kirinyaga County on March 18, 2023.

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Kimani Ichung'wah

Ichung'wah said that the executive had advised on the need for the ensuing issues to be addressed and resolved before further consideration.

Its withdrawal coincided with the government's backtracking on the Finance Bill after countrywide protests.

Claim 2: On Appointment of Judges

"I have sworn in 46, almost 50 judges."

Verdict: Incorrect

The publicly available details from the Judiciary Service Commission (JSC) official website show that President Ruto has appointed 26 judges both in the High Court and in the Court of Appeal.

Clarification

President William Ruto, on his first day in office, ordered the swearing-in of 6 Judges recommended for appointment to the Court of Appeal and Environment and Land Court by the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) three years ago during the tenure of the previous regime.

On 7 December 2022, 20 High Court judges were sworn in and oriented to their new roles during an induction conducted by the Kenya Judiciary Academy (KJA).

This brings the total number of judges sworn in since Ruto clinched the Presidency to 26 judges. 

Claim 3: On Hustler Fund

"Many people have spread this story about William Ruto not telling the truth. I told people there will be a Hustler Fund, today there is a Hustler Fund."

Verdict: Correct

Hustler Fund exists.

Clarification.

The Hustler Fund, as described by the Kenyan government, is a digital financial inclusion initiative designed to enhance financial access by providing responsible finance to individuals and micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) across Kenya.

The loan is currently operational.

Kenyans.co.ke moved to establish this by dialling USD code *254#, and a prompt popped up commissioning the users to select one of the three categories: Hustler Fund, Women Enterprise Fund, and Hustler Groups.

Under Hustler Groups, there are Groups Micro Enterprise Loan Products (GMELP) and Individual Micro Enterprise Loan Program (IMELP)

As of 8th July 2024, the kitty had already disbursed close to Ksh 53 billion (52,945,855,160) in over 23 million borrowers (23,293,402).

The Government established the fund to alleviate financial constraints, particularly within the informal sector.

However, Auditor General Nancy Gathungu raised concerns over the management of the Hustler Fund.

Auditor General Nancy Gathungu speaking during the sensitisation Forum on the Auditor General's PFM framework tool on September 4, 2023.

Photo

OAG

Gathungu highlighted that Hustler Fund Management failed to provide financial statements for audit review, which prevented verification of the source and authenticity of the balances.

In the report, the Auditor General pointed to doubts surrounding the recovery process from exchange transactions.

The report revealed that close to 18 million (17, 855, 858) beneficiaries applied for loans leading to a total of Ksh32 billion (Ksh32, 015, 962, 276) cash disbursed. A balance of about Ksh11 billion (Ksh 10,950,075, 614) remained unpaid as of June 2023.

The report also revealed that Ksh259, 026, 553 held by service providers could not be accounted for due to inadequate documentation provided by the fund’s management. 

From the report, 11, 213 borrowers received additional loans totalling Ksh161,931,703 before fully repaying their previous obligations. 

Claim 4: On Taxing Cancer, Hypertension & Lifestyle Diseases

"There were no taxes for people suffering from cancer." 

"We had put Ksh2 billion for people with Cancer and hypertension under universal healthcare."

Verdict:

Statement One: Correct

Statement Two: Cannot be Substantiated, Documents not in Public Domain

Ruto's statement encompassed elements from various categories. Here's the breakdown:

In Kenya, patients do not directly pay taxes. However, under the previous healthcare financing model involving the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) and the new model with the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF), subscribers contribute monthly and annual subscriptions, which are not classified as taxes.

A review of the Office of the Controller of Budget's report for the first nine months of the 2023/2024 financial year reveals that out of the allocated Ksh3.95 billion for Universal Health Coverage (UHC), Ksh3.045 billion had already been utilized, leaving a balance of Ksh905 million for recurrent expenditure. Contrary to President Ruto's claim of Ksh2 billion in the UHC fund, this remaining amount does not align with his stated figure.

From the Finance Bill, there were claims that taxes would be imposed on Medicare and that there would be taxation on recurring diseases such as cancer and other chronic diseases. Kenyans.co.ke sought to find out and establish the claim. The Finance Bill did not capture any statement on taxation of recurring diseases.

Speaking during an interview on 12th June, Timothy Olweny, Chair of Social Health Authority, a subsidiary of the Universal Health Coverage, could not give a guarantee of the funding.

Social Health Authority Chairperson Timothy Olweny

Photo

Spice FM

"I cannot guarantee because that is not within my mandate. All I know is that money has been promised, it has been budgeted for as far as I am concerned, those are the figures we are working with."

Cancer and Hypertension lie within the Emergency Chronic and Critical Care Fund. Speaking during the same interview, Olweny quoted Ksh75 billion as the money allocated for chronic and critical illnesses. This amount is more than the Ksh2 billion quoted by President Ruto.

From the recent economic survey report 2024, The National Government expenditure on health services almost doubled from Ksh88.1 billion in 2022/23 to Ksh161.8 billion in 2023/24. All reports seen by Kenyan.co.ke have not specified any amount set specifically for cancer and hypertension.

The membership of the Universal Health Coverage has increased by 2,577 to 904,205 in 2024.

Claim 5

"I went there in person and committed close to Ksh 400 million to attend to those affected by the flooding. Maybe I should have done more."

"It was the first time the Govt was allocating money to assist those affected by the floods."

Verdict

First statement: Correct.

Second statement: Incorrect.

Clarification.

President Ruto on a Twitter space with Gen Z claimed that the government had set aside Ksh400 million to cater for those affected by floods in Nairobi.

Ruto announced that the money was aimed at easing the financial burden and helping families in their recovery process, especially those displaced from their houses.

Giving Ksh10,000 to each of the 40,000 displaced families during the recent floods in Nairobi totals Ksh400 million.

This isn't the first instance where the government has allocated funds to assist those impacted by floods. In May 2022, a legal notice issued by the then Treasury Cabinet Secretary Ukur Yatani authorised funds for disaster management, which encompassed provisions for floods. 

The notice specified financial allocations for annual estimates, disaster response, and recovery funds based on the severity of the disaster.

Treasury CS Ukur Yatani addresses the media on November 25, 2020, in Nairobi

Twitter

Amidst the ongoing public debate over the increment of salaries for select state officers, Kenyans.co.ke breaks down the salaries earned by high-profile officers since 2013.

The breakdown will demonstrate the salary trends for the President, Deputy President, Speaker of the National Assembly and Parliamentarians.

Additionally, the breakdown will cover the earnings of governors since the inauguration of the 2010 Consitution. The breakdown will also include the latest salaries which took effect on July 1, 2024.

However, the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) is expected to freeze the salary increments following a directive by President William Ruto.

A photo of Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) Chairperson Lyn Cherop Mengich.

Photo

SRC Kenya

President

Over the five reviews, the President has been the top earner. In 2013, the President's salary was Ksh1,560,000.

However, the salary was revised downwards in 2017 by Ksh116,250. Since then, the salary for the Head of State has been maintained at Ksh1,443,750.

Deputy President

The first Deputy President of Kenya under the current constitutional dispensation (William Ruto) earned Ksh1,402,500 in 2018.

Similar to the President, the salary was revised downwards in 2017. The new salary was set at Ksh1,227,188.

Notably, that salary has been maintained at the same level since the 2017 review.

Cabinet Secretaries

In 2013, CSs took home more than Ksh1 million per month. To be precise, the salary of a CS in 2013 was Ksh1,056,000.

The salary was reduced to Ksh924,000 in 2017. These figures were maintained until the 2023 review.

In 2023 July, CSs salaries were increased to Ksh957,000. 

Speakers

Since the 2013 elections, Speakers of the National Assembly and the Senate have been taking home over Ksh1 million per month.

In 2013, the speakers earned Ksh1,320,000 and Ksh1,155,000 in 2017.

During the 2022/2023 salary review, their salaries rose to Ksh1,160,000 and Ksh1,185,327 during the 2023/2024 salary review.

Had the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC's) proposal sailed through, the speakers would have earned Ksh1,208,362 per month.

MPs and Senators

Since 2013, Members of Parliament and Senators have been earning as follows; Ksh710,000 (2013), Ksh621,250 (2017), Ksh710,000 (2022), Ksh725,502 (2023).

Had the 2024/25 review stood, they would have taken home Ksh739,600 per month.

Governors

Since 2013, governors have not experienced a salary cut. In 2013, governors took home Ksh854,241 per month.

In 2017, they earned Ksh924,000. These figures were increased in 2022 to Ksh924,000 and Ksh957,000 in 2023. County bosses would have earned Ksh990,000 from July 1, had the proposal tabled by Lynn Mengich sailed through.

The government is set to do away with the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) cards from October this year.

Speaking during an interview on Spice FM, President William Ruto's advisor on health financing, Daniel Mwai, revealed that the new Social Health Authority (SHA) will not be issuing health insurance cards.

He noted that Kenyans will be using their National Identity cards to access services in the hospital.

Mwai explained that Kenyans already had many cards hence the need to use the ID card in accessing healthcare services.

A photo of the NHIF building in Nairobi's Upper Hill taken on March 4, 2020.

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NHIF

On the other hand, he stated that Kenyans will be required to take up biometric verification at the hospital. This will be done to identify the patient and remove any loopholes for forged medical claims.

"Our expectation is that you will use your ID card. People are in the business of having too many cards.

"Once you go to the hospital with your ID card, the facility will already be known and the charge will be removed from your card. The biometrics will uniquely identify you," he stated.

Therefore, in facilitating the verification process, he stated that Kenyans would need to have the biometrics verified, especially for those who were in the NHIF cover.

The verification can be done at various NHIF offices with the government also set to release biometrics devices to Community Health Promoters.

SHIF registration commenced on July 1 and can be done through the SHA website - www.sha.go.ke or through USSD code *147#.

Other Changes

Unlike SHIF, Kenyans will be able to go to any hospital of their choice for treatment. Under NHIF, Kenyans were required to choose the facilities where they would be treated.

Mwai also confirmed that SHIF will also cover treatment in high-end private hospitals. However, expenses will only be met per the stipulated tariff.

"In the past, we had a lot of issues with the choice of facilities. You had to choose the facilities where you had to go. Where we are moving to, is a different environment altogether. Kenyans will choose the facilities where they will be going.

"They will also be able to know the benefits they are entitled to and the money they will be charged from the card even before they go to the hospital," he stated.

On the other hand, he noted that private pharmacies will also be accepting SHIF payments should they be put under the facilities in the new insurance scheme. 

On most occasions, Kenyans are usually asked to buy drugs from private pharmacies if the hospitals lack the medicines.

Nonetheless, the payment will only be made as per the published tariffs.

Health CS Susan Nakhumicha speaking to President William Ruto during the inauguration of the MEDS Microbiology Laboratory at Syokimau on November 22, 2023.

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Susan Nakhumicha

Ahead of the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF) rollout, the Social Health Authority responded to frequently asked questions regarding the new healthcare cover.

SHA noted that most Kenyans had sought clarity over several issues regarding registration, benefits and access to health coverage as highlighted below.

Registration - What Identification documents are required?

As highlighted, Kenyans will provide a copy of their National Identification cards during the registration process.

Processed IDs at Nyayo House in Nairobi County.

Photo

Julius Bitok

On the other hand, during the registration of children, parents will need to produce the birth certificates.

"Foreign residents may use their Foreign Resident Certificate (Alien ID) or a Refugee ID for refugees," read the response in part.

Nationwide registration for SHIF is scheduled to commence on Friday, June 21. There will be modes for registration including self-registration via mobile phones. Registration will also be done in hospitals and through Community Health Promoters (CHP).

Dependents - Who qualifies as a dependent?

Dependents that will be recognised during the registration include spouses and children. However, relatives who are dependent on a contributor can be included as beneficiaries.

"Children can be registered for the Social Health Authority. An application for a child without a form of identification should be accompanied by documentation provided by the state department responsible for social protection​​," SHA stated.

"At the time of registration or updating membership details, contributors can list their dependents to be covered under their health insurance."

Biometric Access - How can beneficiaries access healthcare?

Once SHIF is fully operational, Kenyans will be able to access medical healthcare at registered medical facilities in the country after having their biometrics taken.

The Authority explained the biometrics will be taken for verification purposes.

Contributions - What contributions are made to the authority?

As highlighted in the SHIF Act, Kenyans will contribute to the authority to be covered. Employed Kenyans will be making contributions at the rate of 2.75 per cent of their gross salary.

Employers will also match the contributions that have been made by the employees.

On the other hand, Kenyans in the informal sector will also be contributing 2.75 per cent of their income. However, unemployed Kenyans who are above 25 years old will be contributing Ksh300.

A photo of the NHIF building in Nairobi's Upper Hill taken on March 4, 2020.

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NHIF

"Contributions to a Social Health Authority shall be through payroll deductions for employed individuals, direct contributions from self-employed individuals, and government subsidies for indigent and vulnerable populations," SHA stated.

Benefits - What are the benefits under SHIF?

"The fund covers integrated preventive, promotive, curative, rehabilitative, and palliative health services provided at level 4, 5, and 6 health facilities​​," the Authority responded.
 

Health Cabinet Secretary Susan Nakhumicha has published a new document breaking down treatment tariffs that will be used under the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF).

As explained in the document, Kenyans with SHIF insurance policies will also be able to access six free services at SHIF-accredited hospitals in the country.

Among the services Kenyans will be able to access include; access to Antiretroviral (ARV) treatment, HIV testing and follow-up tests, family planning, antimalarial medication and testing.

Anti-tuberculosis and immunisation services for children will also be offered for free.

A team of doctors at the Kenya University of Teaching, Referral and Research Hospital (KUTRRH) performing surgery in February 2023

KUTRRH

"ARVs, antimalarials, anti TBs, and associated tests, family planning commodities, and KEPI vaccines will be provided at public facilities and faith-based & private facilities that report to the health information system," read the guidelines in part.

Tariffs for Other Medical Services

On the other hand, the Ministry also released guidelines and tariffs for common services such as outpatient and inpatient.

The tariff for outpatient services was put at Ksh2,000 with a limit of four visits per person in a year.

Outpatient services include; consultation, diagnosis, and treatment, prescribed laboratory, and investigations, and basic radiological examinations including X-rays, ultrasounds, prescription, drug administration and dispensing.

On the other hand, in-patient services offered at Level 4-6 facilities will be charged at different rates depending on the facility's categorisation.

For instance, at Level 4 facilities, in-patient services will be charged at Ksh3,500 while the tariff for Level 5 facilities will be Ksh4,000.

At Level 6 health facilities, the inpatient tariff was proposed at Ksh5,000.

The scope of inpatient services includes hospital accommodation charges, meals and nursing care in a general ward bed.

"Inpatient services shall include management of disease/condition while admitted and that includes intra-admission consultation and reviews by both general and specialist consultants, laboratory investigations, medical imaging, procedures, and medication," read the report in part.

Normal delivery and essential newborn care will be charged at Ksh11,200 while caesarean section and essential newborn care will be charged at Ksh32,600

"SHIF maternity services will be accessed by members and their dependents with up-to-date membership.

"In case of peripartum and postnatal complications beyond 48 hours for normal deliveries and 72 hours for CS deliveries, then per diem rate takes effect. All claims in this category will have to undergo surveillance," the Ministry proposed.

Meanwhile, for the preservation of bodies in mortuaries, the cover will be limited to 5 days at a rate of Ksh500 per day.

Kenyans have been asked to give their view on the charges and submit their proposals before June 17.

"The comments, views, representation and any written memoranda may be forwarded to the Office of the Cabinet Secretary, Nairobi; hand-delivered to the Office of the Cabinet Secretary at Afya House 7th Floor, Nairobi; or emailed to regulations@health.go.ke; to be received on or before June 17, 2024, at 5:00 pm. 

"Additionally, there shall be physical and virtual meetings for public consultations and stakeholder engagement on the above draft Tariffs. The Ministry and Social Health Authority shall communicate the dates and venues for the physical and virtual public participation," the CS advised.

Deductions

Salaried Kenyans are expected to commence payment of 2.75 per cent of their salaries to the Social Health Authority (SHA). Those with an income will pay the same rate.

Unemployed Kenyans will pay a minimum rate of Ksh300.

Former Health CS Susan Nakhumicha during a meeting with striking doctors.

Photo

MOH

This week, the counties of Mombasa and Kilifi implemented a contentious ban on the trade of muguka, a stimulant leaf popular in Kenya. 

Our analysis reveals that this prohibition could have far-reaching economic and social consequences, potentially costing farmers up to Ksh1 billion per month and slashing over Ksh300 million from the revenue streams of both Mombasa and Embu counties.

While it is impossible to put a price on the lives of Kenyans, the ramifications of Mombasa’s muguka ban extend beyond health concerns. 

The financial fallout is poised to affect service delivery and livelihoods in both counties. 

Over 2,000 traders in Mombasa now find themselves in limbo, while more than 65,000 farmers in Embu are scrambling for alternative markets for their produce.

Embu Governor Cecily Mbarire, on May 24, highlighted that the muguka sector generates approximately Ksh22 billion annually. 

Our in-depth investigation indicates that Mombasa alone accounts for Ksh12 billion of this total revenue. This points to the critical role Mombasa plays as a market for muguka.

Historical data reveals that in 2019, five canter lorries of miraa and muguka entered Mombasa daily. As of May 2024, farmers from Embu and Kirinyaga are delivering 36,000 kilogrammes of muguka to Mombasa each day. 

Traders and transporters packing muguka into a car for transport, May 2024.

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Governor Mbarire

According to a recent health committee report, about 31.4 per cent of Mombasa's residents, primarily aged between 19 and 44, are regular users of muguka. 

This demographic represents Kenya’s most productive age group, highlights the potential societal impact of the ban.

Mombasa, with a projected population of 1.3 million, has approximately 393,000 muguka users. The city has emerged as the largest market for muguka in Kenya, providing significant daily revenue to farmers.

Mbeerembu Miraa Cooperative Union chairman Jervasius Nyombyekoth estimates that farmers earn Ksh10.8 million daily from Mombasa, translating to Ksh3.63 billion annually and Ksh302 million monthly.

Our analysis reveals that farmers could lose up to Ksh1 billion monthly due to the ban. 

This figure is derived from the daily delivery of 36,000 kilogrammes of muguka to Mombasa, with prices ranging between Ksh500 to Ksh1,000 per kilogramme.

 On the higher end, this volume translates to over Ksh1 billion monthly revenue, a significant economic driver for the farmers.

To contextualise, Ksh1 billion is comparable to the amount the Ministry of Health allocated this week to procure a year’s supply of vaccines for infants. 

It also represents nearly a third of what some counties receive in equitable share allocations. Thus, the ban’s economic impact is substantial.

The ban is also set to cause a significant dent in Mombasa’s revenue collections. 

Reports indicate that over 2,000 individuals are involved in the muguka supply chain in Mombasa, including wholesalers, retailers, and transporters. 

The county stands to lose over Ksh336 million in cess from muguka imports alone, not accounting for parking fees and additional cess collected from traders.

Governors Cecily Mbarire and Abdullswamad Sherrif Nassir during a meeting to iron out issues around muguka in Mombasa County.

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Governor Mbarire

Despite recent negotiations that led to a reduction in licensing fees for miraa and muguka dealers, the ban was enforced. 

A three-tonne lorry previously paid Ksh30,000, a pick-up Ksh20,000, and a handcart Ksh10,000. Additional charges included Ksh1,500 per box and Ksh1,200 per sack of miraa.

In Embu County, Governor Mbarire anticipates a loss of over Ksh13.2 million in revenue collections. 

This figure is based on the monthly collection of Ksh1.1 million from over 3,000 traders in 2023.

Muguka cultivation, involving 65,000 farmers, is a critical income source for the region, second only to coffee and tea. Individual farmers can earn up to Ksh30,000 weekly from muguka sales.

The Embu county government has invested over Ksh60 million in supporting muguka farmers and traders. 

The ban’s implementation in Mombasa, initiated under Governor Abdullswamad Sherrif Nassir, comes amid rising concerns over mental health and substance abuse linked to muguka use.

With Kilifi County also banning muguka and other coastal counties considering similar measures, the future of the crop remains uncertain. 

The widespread economic and social impact of these bans could reshape the livelihoods of thousands and alter the financial landscape of entire regions.

A photo collage of Miraa (left) and Muguka.

Photo

Labour and Social Protection Cabinet Secretary Florence Bore on Tuesday announced that eligible Kenyans would be able to start applying for Inua Jamii funds starting May 21. 

Successful applicants will be receiving Ksh2,000 every month from the national government starting from June 2024. 

The registration drive targets to register an additional 500,000 households to the existing 207,000 recipients. 

“Household registration for Persons with Severe Disabilities Cash Transfer (PWSD-CT) and Orphans and Vulnerable Children (CT-OVC) is starting tomorrow Wednesday, May 22,” the CS stated. 

Elderly Kenyans awaiting Inua Jamii services in Kiambu County on April 14, 2018.

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Inua Jamii

“Similarly, account opening for older persons will also start on the same day.”

How to Apply

If you are a senior citizen aged 70 or  PWSD, you can enroll by dialing *222#.

The USSD code will then give you social protection services offered by eCitizen including; Government of Kenya flood relief, Inua Jamii, Housing and Tax Payment. 

After selecting Inua Jamii you will be prompted to select preferred language between English and Kiswahili. 

After choosing the language you are conversant with, you will then be asked to press 1 to enroll on the Inua Jamii programme. 

“Your name and ID will be checked against the Government of Kenya records,” the service will indicate after pressing one. 

Should you accept the aforementioned terms and conditions, you will then be required to confirm your mobile pin.

“Please note that the Directorate of Social Assistance has full rights to approve or reject your request for access,” Kenyans registering are advised

Kilifi County Elders during Inua Funds meeting with President William Ruto on September 28, 2018

Twitter

William Ruto