Miraa being ferried from Meru to Nairobi for sale.
By ABDIMALIK HAJIR
Wednesday, November 06, 2013
Garissa County government Wednesday said it will table a bill that if passed will impose heavy fines on miraa traders and chewers to reduce its consumption.
Speaking when opening a three day workshop organized by County Government through Hashash weavers, a local NGO that empowers women in the region, county executive in charge of trade and commerce Hajir Mohamed Dahiye said the county has prepared the bill to control and restrict the sale of the commodity.
Mr Hajir said miraa has been banned by countries such as UK, Holland and America because of its effect to the health of the consumer, adding that many youths are wasting their time on it instead of engaging in an development activities.
“The county will not ban miraa but will restrict its sells by imposing heavy fines, those found chewing it openly will be fined” said Mr Hajir.
Halima Mohamed, county executive member in charge of women and children affairs urged women to refrain from selling miraa and instead form groups and engage in other businesses.
Hashash weavers has organized three day workshop for women mainly miraa traders educating them to do various skills such as weaving and juice making so that they take on their own business other than miraa.
Hajir said training miraa sellers who are mainly women to engage in other business to generate revenue for them and to the county are the other alternatives the county is employing.
Mr Hajir said they are ready for any resistance because if the people stop using the commodity they will be productive and generate more revenue to the county.
County assembly member Sabena Shaffi Mohamed said they are waiting for the bill. “Ones it will be table we will pass it because a law is needed to curb the usage of miraa in this area” he added.