Kwale has become the first county to outlaw the consumption and sale of miraa.
The move was announced on Wednesday by the County Assembly after clerics and parents raised alarm over the number of youth who were indulging in consumption of Miraa.
Additionally, the County Assembly noted that scores of youth were rejected during KDF recruitment exercise over discoloured teeth which they attributed to the commodity.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO) miraa is listed as a drug that creates "dependence" in people, meaning it gives consumers the desire to keep using it.
[caption caption="A miraa trader holding the commodity"]
[/caption]
Religious organisations including the Council of Imams and Preachers of Kenya's organising secretary had been urging coastal counties to ban the commodity which they argued had affected the youth.
CIPK Sheikh Khalifa Mohamed had addressed the proposed ban in Mombasa stating: “We support the Bill and we want it expanded so that anyone chewing miraa and drinking in public can be punished.”
Sheikh Khalifa noted that miraa had destroyed many marriages and youth were turning into zombies.
However, the National Authority for Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) advised County governments to formulate laws that will regulate the consumption, utilization and the sale of miraa, especially in public areas.
Mombasa County Assembly member Fatma Swaleh noted that many PSV drivers chew the plant while on duty thereby endangering the lives of passengers and other road users.
[caption caption="CIPK Secretary General Sheikh Khalifa Mohamed"]
[/caption]
Mombasa county has, however, not passed the motion to ban miraa after politicians differed with some arguing that youth make a decent living out of the business.
