Proposed Bill Sparks Economic Uncertainty for Muguka Farmers

A proposed Anti-Muguka Bill, tabled by Kilifi North MP Owen Baya, seeks to amend the Crops Act to delist muguka from Kenya’s scheduled crops list, stripping it of legal protection and state support. Reported by NTV Kenya, this legislative move threatens the livelihoods of over 65,000 farmers, particularly in Embu County, where muguka generates approximately Sh22 billion annually. The bill follows bans on muguka’s sale, transportation, and consumption in Mombasa, Kilifi, and Taita Taveta counties, citing health concerns like addiction and social issues.

Muguka, a fast-growing crop resilient to erratic weather, is a critical income source for smallholder farmers in Embu and other regions. Unlike traditional crops like maize, muguka offers higher returns—up to Sh30,000 weekly for some farmers—making it a lifeline for communities facing climate challenges. The bill’s proposal to exclude muguka from the Crops Act would remove access to government subsidies, extension services, and market support, exposing farmers to further county-level bans. Mombasa alone accounts for Sh12 billion of muguka’s annual revenue, with farmers potentially losing Sh1 billion monthly due to these restrictions. Farmers and traders, like Samuel Gitonga from Embu, argue that muguka is not just a crop but a way of life, funding education, healthcare, and food security.

The Anti-Muguka Bill underscores the delicate balance between health policies and economic stability. Smallholder farmers need support to transition to alternative crops or adopt sustainable practices to maintain incomes. Cooperatives can facilitate market linkages, while agribusinesses like Organic Farm Kenya can supply organic inputs to reduce costs. Policymakers must engage stakeholders to find pragmatic solutions, as seen in President Ruto’s 2024 reversal of county muguka bans, which allocated Sh500 million for value addition. Collaborative efforts, like those supporting maize and vegetable exports, are crucial to sustaining Kenya’s agricultural resilience.