Mombasa county has heightened regulations onto the sale and consumption of Miraa and muguka in the region.

In the new regulations, the county government has now directed that there will be no sale of Miraa and muguka around schools and places of worship.

All shops selling the products must be far away from the learning institutions to cushion school going children from engaging in drug and substance use.

Speaking on Wednesday after a joint meeting with Embu governor Cecil Mbarire, governor Nasir said sellers and traders of the product will now be required to get specified licenses.

The two governors accompanied by members of their respective county assemblies  met to discuss how the two counties can both benefit from the control of the cash crop produced majorly in Embu.

Governor Nassir said the county will deploy officers to enforce the regulations. Buses and canters engaged in the transportation of the products will also be required to get special licenses from Mombasa county.

"We will send a team to go round giving out notices to shop owners that also sell miraa and muguka, they have to decide that they will run a general shop or sell miraa and muguka said Nassir

On her side, Embu Governor Cecily Mbarire, along with several of the county’s members of her county assembly, supported the initiative, noting that the easy accessibility of these substances to children necessitated stringent regulations.

"Muguka and Miraa are scheduled cash crops, and we need to coordinate their trade effectively. As the people of Embu, we support the need to regulate their trade in Mombasa to protect our children," she stated. 

During the meeting, the Embu governor suggested the cess fee be reduced from 80,000 to 60,000 so that traders in the business will not be disadvantaged due to exorbitant charges.

Nassir has asked the county assembly to ensure consideration of the charges adjustments as well as ensure the regulation does not victimize sellers of the product.