The Garissa County Assembly has convened a consultative meeting bringing together key officials from county security agencies and national government organs to deliberate on concerns over the rising use of miraa and muguka and their associated social impacts across the county.
The session, chaired by Chairperson of the Committee on County Affairs, Public Service and Intergovernmental Relations Hon. Adow Omar, focused on the growing debate around the legal and social classification of miraa.
While Kenyan law recognizes miraa as a legitimate cash crop, Hon. Adow noted that it is treated as a controlled substance in several other jurisdictions. This contrast, he said, raises broader concerns about its implications on public health and social stability.
He emphasized the need for coordinated engagement among stakeholders, stating:
“Substance use issues affecting our communities require structured dialogue and collective responsibility. Through these engagements, we aim to align all actors towards practical and sustainable interventions that protect our young people and strengthen social cohesion.”
Deputy County Commissioner Mr. Sebastian Okiring observed that while miraa as a crop may not inherently pose a threat, its consumption is often linked to other harmful substances, including alcohol and cocaine.
He warned that such combinations significantly aggravate public health and security challenges. He further noted that many youths involved in crime fall within the teenage and early adult age brackets, underscoring the need for urgent, targeted interventions.
Describing the engagement as timely and insightful, Mr. Okiring proposed strengthening County Policing Authority frameworks to enhance coordination. He also called for the integration of early warning and response systems to address emerging substance use trends.
MCAs present were Hon. Aden Durow (Jarajara), Hon. Ahmed Noor (Dekaharja), and Hon. Khadija Idris.
Also present were Mr. Ruto Archibald from the County Commissioner’s Office.
The engagement was the first in a series of planned consultations aimed at developing a structured, policy-driven response to substance use in Garissa County, with a view to securing broader stakeholder commitment to safeguarding community health and promoting social well-being.
