As part of the stringent measures to curb the supply and sale of Muguka in Kwale County, Governor Fatuma Achani on Saturday announced plans to hike the charges on the crop from Ksh10,000 to Ksh300,000 per lorry.
The governor while addressing residents during the Madaraka Day celebrations noted the hike in charges would take effect upon approval of the County Finance Bill 2024/2025.
According to Achani, the increase in the charges would ensure that consumption of Muguka is regulated by making the crop unaffordable for most of the consumers.
“We have already passed the Finance bill and it is awaiting my approval for it to be a law. Anyone coming in with a lorry of Muguka will have to pay Ksh300,000,” the governor announced.
Achani also dismissed recent claims of supporting the sale of Muguka within the Coast, maintaining that the crop had caused more harm than good to her constituents.
"We have set the new prices to ensure that even if the crops are sold within the county, the person with no monetary ability won't be able to purchase it," Achani revealed.
The vocal governor stated that despite other counties at the Coast banning the crop she opted to permit its sale due to legal considerations.
However, its distribution and sale would be highly monitored and regulated to ensure it does not cause harm to the youthful generation.
Governor Achani further urged residents to not only fight the consumption of Muguka but also other drugs such as bhang and other types of illicit drugs.
Fatuma Achani's sentiments come against the backdrop of recent claims that she upheld the sale of the controversial crop in the county.
Questions had emerged in the previous weeks over Achani's decision not to ban Muguka like her fellow governors from Mombasa, Kilifi and Taita Counties.
“As the leadership of this county, we join the rest in fighting the misuse of Muguka. Of course, we will not ban the use of Muguka because of legal issues. However, we are also following the stipulated legalities to ensure that the use of Muguka is regulated,” the governor stated.
