Muguka farmers across Kenya, especially in Embu County, can now breathe a collective sigh of relief after Deputy President Kithure Kindiki officially confirmed that Kilifi North MP Owen Baya has withdrawn his proposed amendment to delist Muguka (Catha edulis) from Kenya’s list of scheduled crops.
The controversial Crops (Amendment) Bill, 2025, which had already passed First Reading in Parliament, sought to remove Muguka from the Crops Act, a move that would have stripped the stimulant of its legal status and protection. This could have left it vulnerable to regional bans and restrictions, particularly from coastal counties that have been vocal about the crop’s impact.
Speaking during the National Macadamia Conference 2025 at Embu University Grounds, Kindiki praised the persistent lobbying by Embu leaders, from the grassroots to the top county leadership, which led to Baya’s reversal.
“There has been some attempt to remove Muguka from the schedule to the Crops Act and the regulations under the Act. I want to thank the elected leaders of Embu because they have been very persistent… seeking a solution from government so that we don’t destroy that value chain of Muguka, which is grown in the lower part of this county,” Kindiki said.
“We’ve had engagements, and I’m happy to report this morning that the sponsor of the intended legislation… has agreed graciously to drop that legislative proposal,” he added.
Kindiki emphasized the seriousness of the bill, noting it had already gone through its First Reading in Parliament and was not just political theater.
“The proposal had gone to First Reading. So it was not a joke. It was not supposed to be a gimmick. It was a serious thing. But we’ll find ways within the parliamentary procedures to have that matter dropped since it is a private member’s business,” the DP explained.
The Deputy President gave special credit to Embu’s leadership, including Governor Cecily Mbarire, MPs such as Mbeere North’s Geoffrey Ruku, MCAs, and local administrators.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the credit must go to the leaders of Embu County—from the Governor, the Senator, the Members of Parliament, the MCAs. They have been on my back, on my neck, on my phone—everywhere.”
In light of this development, Kindiki called on Muguka farmers to remain calm and trust in their leaders and national support structures.
“So please, Muguka farmers, relax. We have your back—and your leaders got your back.”
The now-dropped amendment sought to distinguish Muguka from Miraa, thereby eliminating it from scheduled crop protection. This would have undercut the national legal framework that President William Ruto and the Ministry of Agriculture have used to prevent local bans, such as those attempted by Mombasa and Kilifi in May 2024.
Ruto, in a prior statement, had stressed that Muguka was a scheduled crop and that KSh500 million had been allocated for its development in the 2024/2025 Financial Year.
With Baya’s withdrawal, the national government has reaffirmed its support for Muguka as part of Kenya’s recognized agricultural value chains—alongside tea, coffee, and macadamia.
