Wajir Governor signs law to regulate miraa and substance abuse

Wajir Governor Ahmed Abdullahi has signed into law legislation that regulates the sale of miraa and other harmful substances in the county.

The Wajir County Miraa and Other Substances Control Act, 2025,came into force on Friday, December 5, introducing tough measures to regulate the sale and consumption of miraa while acting as a bulwark against the rising use of harmful substances.

The Bill had earlier been unanimously passed by the County Assembly last week, following a year-long process that included public hearings with stakeholders on proposals to curb the use of substances that residents have blamed for fueling social evils.

Under the Act, the sale and consumption of miraa is banned near schools, mosques, and health facilities. Further, all miraa distributors and retailers are required to obtain operating licences, and the sale of the narcotic substance will only be permitted in areas designated by county authorities.

Governor Ahmed said the new law was introduced to curb the proliferation of miraa consumption and reduce the growing social destruction linked to its use. The explosive growth of miraa consumption has been blamed for increased school dropouts, insecurity, and broken families.

“Today’s signing marks an important milestone in strengthening our fight against drugs and substance abuse in Wajir County. This law sets clear rules to regulate miraa and safeguard our children, our health facilities, and our places of worship,” he said.

He described the unanimous passing of the Bill by the County Assembly as a “collective stand for the protection of families,” while reiterating that efforts will be made to enforce the law to ensure compliance.

The Act establishes the Wajir County Authority for the Control of Miraa and Other Substances, which will coordinate enforcement, licensing, and public awareness campaigns.

It also provides a framework for establishing rehabilitation centres, offering treatment and reintegration programmes for individuals struggling with substance use.

While supporting the measures, Nominated MCA Adan Ali Issack expressed optimism that the new legislation will go a long way in curbing the use of miraa, which he said serves as a gateway to harder drugs such as cocaine and heroin.

“Wherever there is miraa, there are always other drugs. Our youth are bearing the brunt of this. We must follow the law while also exploring alternative livelihoods for the traders,” he said.

During a public participation exercise last month, various leaders called for the complete eradication of miraa and other harmful substances in Wajir, citing their social, health, and economic impacts on the community.

The leaders—drawn from the National Muslim Leaders Forum (NAMLEF), the Supreme Council of Kenya Muslims (SUPKEM), the Office of the Chief Kadhi, imams, doctors, academicians, and legal experts—advocated for a total ban on the sale and consumption of miraa, saying it is abetting a myriad of social evils in the county.

Acting Chief Kadhi Sheikh Sukyan Omar warned that miraa abuse had become a major social and economic problem in Wajir and neighbouring counties. “Our community has been affected by the problem of miraa for a long time. It is affecting all sectors of life, including security and safety. Our youths are devastated,” he said.