Wajir: Religious leaders in Wajir have praised the County Assembly for initiating public consultations on the proposed 'Miraa and Other Substances Control Bill, 2025', considering it a crucial step towards addressing drug abuse among the youth.
According to Kenya News Agency, the Assembly's Committee on Gender, Culture, Children, Sports, and Social Services held a public participation forum at the ICT Hall in Wajir town, engaging Muslim scholars under the Supreme Council of Kenya Muslims (SUPKEM). This event marks the beginning of a week-long series of consultations on the draft legislation, which aims to regulate the sale, distribution, and consumption of miraa and other intoxicating substances in the county.
During the session, Wagberi Ward MCA and committee member Adan Bulle explained that the Bill seeks to restrict the sale of miraa near learning institutions by setting a 300-metre buffer zone and prohibiting sales to minors. It also includes provisions for regulated trading hours, licensing requirements, and hygiene standards for miraa stalls. Furthermore, the Bill proposes the establishment of rehabilitation centres and calls for collaboration between county and national governments in addressing substance abuse.
SUPKEM Chairperson Dr. Adan commended the County Assembly for what he described as a bold and timely step in protecting young people from drug abuse, urging the Assembly to impose tougher penalties for offenders. Dr. Adan highlighted that this Bill is a milestone in safeguarding youth from addiction, noting the absence of a clear legal framework in Wajir to control these substances for years.
SUPKEM Secretary Hassan Osman called for greater involvement of religious leaders in implementing and monitoring the law once enacted, emphasizing that faith-based institutions must play an active role in ensuring compliance and public awareness. Participants at the forum proposed expanding the restriction radius for miraa trading to 1.5 kilometres, increasing licensing fees, and holding property owners accountable for illegal activities conducted on their premises.
Hassan Abdi Hussein, a participant, pointed out that drug abuse had devastated the lives of many young people and urged swift passage and implementation of the law. The Committee Chairperson reaffirmed the County Assembly's commitment to inclusivity and transparency in lawmaking, emphasizing their dedication to ensuring that every voice is heard in shaping policies that promote a drug-free, healthy, and productive Wajir County.