Residents, traders and cultural stakeholders in Busia County have formally petitioned the County Assembly to legalise and regulate the brewing of busaa.

They argue that the traditional drink is both a cultural symbol and a key source of income, yet remains largely unregulated.

A livelihood in the shadows

For years, small-scale brewers in Busia have operated without clear legal protection.
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Petitioners say this gap has exposed them to frequent crackdowns, harassment and losses. Many claim their products are sometimes destroyed or confiscated.
“The lack of clear laws has exposed brewers to harassment, unsafe practices and revenue losses.”
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Busaa // Y254 News

Culture meets regulation

Supporters of the petition are not asking for a free-for-all.

Instead, they want a structured system that recognises busaa while protecting public health.

ALSO READ: Lets Get Drinking: Vihiga Governor Legalises Brewing of "Busaa"

Their proposals include:

  • Licensing of brewers and sellers
  • Hygiene and safety standards
  • Designated drinking zones
  • Fair taxation policies

They argue that such measures would reduce risks linked to unsafe brewing while formalising the trade.

“Legalisation could boost jobs, improve safety and increase county revenue.”

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Online reactions: support, humour and criticism

The petition quickly sparked conversation online, drawing mixed reactions from Kenyans.
Some welcomed the move:
“I agree, who else supports 🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌”
“The petition we didn't know we needed but definitely deserved.”
Others framed it as long overdue:
“It's high time 😂”
Humour also featured heavily:
“Busia county ❌️ Busaa county ✅️”
“Kwani ni illegal na vile tunaikunywa kwa kila sherehe? 😂😂”
Some users questioned priorities:

“Tuko maandamano ya mafuta kushuka na Busia leaders wanapigania busaa.”

There were also broader debates around fairness:

“Imagine legalising vitu zinatengenezwa na chemicals abroad and then prohibiting what is locally made…”
Others remained sceptical:
“idk.. isn't it harmful 😮”
“Ain't no way I can drink that 😂🙌”
History of African tribes // Facebook

Related: Rastafarians in court over bhang legalisation

Elsewhere, debates around traditional and controlled substances are also playing out in court.

Members of the Rastafarian Society of Kenya have moved to the Milimani High Court seeking the legalisation and decriminalisation of bhang.

Their legal team, led by Shadrack Wambui and Danstan Omari, argues the case touches on religion and constitutional rights.

A representative outside the court said:

“Marijuana was brought by the Almighty to this land. Now they are saying it’s not good.”