Kilifi North MP Owen Baya has officially withdrawn a proposed amendment to the Crops Act that sought to delist muguka—a variety of khat—from the list of scheduled crops under Kenyan law.
The move follows consultations with Deputy President Kithure Kindiki and elected leaders from Embu County, where muguka is a key cash crop supporting thousands of livelihoods.
In a statement shared on his official X (formerly Twitter) account on Wednesday, DP Kindiki confirmed the outcome of the meeting with Baya.
“Following a request from Embu County elected leaders, the Deputy President met Hon. Owen Baya, sponsor of the Private Member’s Bill that sought to delete Catha edulis (muguka) from the schedule to the Crops Act,” said DP Kindiki.
“Hon. Baya has graciously agreed to withdraw his legislative proposal.”
Baya’s Private Member’s Bill sought to amend the Crops Act, Cap 318, by distinguishing muguka from miraa (khat) and removing it from the official list of scheduled crops. Scheduled crops benefit from legal protection, regulation, and state support throughout their value chains.
Had it passed, the proposed amendment would have jeopardized state support for muguka farmers, many of whom are concentrated in Embu and surrounding regions.
The Bill sparked controversy amid ongoing tensions between coastal and eastern counties over the sale and distribution of muguka. Counties like Mombasa and Kilifi have called for tighter regulation or outright bans, citing public health and social concerns.
In contrast, muguka-growing counties and national leaders have defended the crop as a legal agricultural commodity protected under national law. In 2023, President William Ruto cautioned governors against banning muguka and miraa, reaffirming their scheduled status under the law.
DP Kindiki’s meeting with Baya followed broader consultations with Embu Governor Cecily Mbarire, County Assembly Majority Leader Peter Muriithi, and other regional leaders. Discussions focused on national government interventions to boost agricultural value chains and resolve inter-county trade disputes.
“Our dialogue with county leaders aims to harmonize development priorities and support agricultural livelihoods. Embu is a key player in national production chains,” Kindiki said.
The decision to withdraw the bill is seen as a significant relief for muguka farmers, particularly in Embu, where the crop is central to the local economy.
