Kilifi North Member of Parliament Owen Baya has agreed to withdraw a contentious legislative proposal that sought to delist muguka—a mild stimulant—from the list of scheduled crops under Kenyan law.

In an X statement on Wednesday, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki confirmed that he had met with MP Baya, who agreed to drop the bill following consultations with stakeholders from Embu County.

“Following a request from Embu County elected leaders, the Deputy President met Hon. Owen Baya, sponsor of the Private Member’s Bill that sought to delete Catha edulis (muguka) from the schedule to the Crops Act,” said DP Kindiki.

“Hon. Baya has graciously agreed to withdraw his legislative proposal.”

The Bill, which aimed to amend the Crops Act, Cap 318, sought to differentiate muguka from miraa (khat), and explicitly exclude the former from the list of scheduled crops.

The Crops Act, enacted in 2013, provides for the certification, regulation, and support of scheduled crops across their value chains to ensure industry standards and quality.

The proposed amendment to the Crops Act would have effectively removed legal protection and state support for muguka, jeopardizing the livelihoods of thousands of farmers who rely on the crop, particularly in regions like Embu.

The proposed amendment emerged amid growing tensions between coastal and eastern counties over the trade in muguka. Coastal counties such as Mombasa and Kilifi have repeatedly called for tighter restrictions or outright bans, citing public health and social concerns.

Last year, President William Ruto criticized attempts by county governors to ban muguka and miraa, stating that both crops are recognized under national law and must be treated accordingly.

DP Kindiki’s meeting with Baya came on the heels of a broader consultative engagement with Embu leaders, including Governor Cecily Mbarire and County Assembly Majority Leader Peter Muriithi.

The talks focused on national government interventions in support of key agricultural sectors in the region.

“Our dialogue with county leaders aims to harmonize development priorities and support agricultural livelihoods. Embu is a key player in national production chains,” the Deputy President said in a statement issued on his official platforms.