The ban also followed a trade dispute over levies charged by the county on muguka imports. This affordability has established muguka as a work boost and leisure pursuit for many across Kenya. Given the current debate in Kenya over whether to ban khat or not, it’s worth considering what the consequences of a ban would be. A khat ban would likely be similarly ineffective in curbing consumption, as was an attempted khat ban by the British in colonial times. But finding ways through regulation to encourage responsible khat trade and consumption, while protecting livelihoods, is surely the way forward.
