Muguka farmers in Embu up in arms over new bill to delete crop

Muguka farmers from Mbeere North, Embu county are up in arms over a proposed bill that seeks to strip the plant of its legal status as a scheduled crop.

The bill, sponsored by Kilifi North MP Owen Baya, proposes to delete muguka from the Crops Act, effectively ending its recognition as a legal crop in Kenya.

Farmers are urging the National Assembly Speaker, Moses Wetangula and majority leader, Kimani Ichung’wah, to prevent the bill from being debated. 

They argue that its passage would devastate their primary source of income.

Local leader Leonard Muthende, speaking on behalf of the farmers, raised concerns about the bill's timing and underlying motives.

The bill has emerged when the community lacks parliamentary representation, after Geoffrey Ruku, who was Mbeere North MP, was appointed to Cabinet.

Muthende criticised the bill as "ill-intentioned," suggesting that instead of introducing detrimental legislation, the MP should have advocated for policies that benefit growers, such as compensation or royalties for the community, whose economy is heavily reliant on the crop.

"Muguka farming has made life bearable in this semi-arid and marginalised area," Muthende stated. 

"The status quo must not be destabilised because of prejudices that are not anchored in science."

Farmer Kathuri Nganjire echoed Muthende’s views, saying muguka farming has not caused any harm, contrary to some allegations. 

He accused opponents of the crop of attempting to destabilise families dependent on Muguka for their main income. 

Another farmer, Felista Kanini, warned that reclassifying muguka could push thousands of young people and families into crime due to lost livelihoods.

Muguka plays a significant role in Embu’s economy, generating approximately Sh22 billion annually, which surpasses the earnings from coffee and tea. 

Farmers transport up to 36 tonnes of the crop to the Coast daily, bringing in an estimated Sh10.8 million per day.

Last year, President William Ruto affirmed muguka's legal recognition, stating that any attempts to ban it would be considered unconstitutional.