Kwale bans sale and consumption of miraa

The Kwale County Assembly on Wednesday passed a motion seeking to ban the sale of Miraa and Muguka in the county.

The motion, tabled by Kasemen MCA Antony Yama, received a unanimous vote from the House. The county health ministry will now come up with regulations on how the ban will be implemented.

According to the Ward representatives, the move follows the mass rejection of youths during the recent KDF recruitment exercise.

Majority of those rejected, it was revealed, were denied a chance to join the army due to alleged side-effects of khat especially on the teeth.

Khat chewing is believed to lead to oral and dental problems, like brown-staining or discoloration of the teeth and gums and cracks in the teeth.

Some MCAs also said the youth are wasting away because of the drug and they believe banning it will help many.

Speaking during the presentation of the motion, Kinango MCA Anthony Yama said the use of mogoka and miraa has affected education in the area as students have been addicted.