This archive report was first published on 1 July 2019.
As we mark the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, it's essential to acknowledge the impact of miraa and second-generation alcohol on Kenya's young men.
One of the most concerning trends is the rise of muguka, a cheaper alternative to miraa, which has become a staple drug for rural youth.
According to a 2017 report by Nacada, over 50% of young people in Mombasa, Kilifi, and Kwale counties have switched to muguka instead of heroine and cocaine.
In Makueni county, the situation is even more alarming, with over 50% of young people chewing muguka.
The practice, known as 'kuchonga,' is deeply ingrained in the county's culture, with young people congregating in groups to chew the drug from early afternoon until past midnight.
Muguka is cheaper than miraa, with one helping costing Sh50, and is often accompanied by chewing gum, ground nuts, and cheap alcohol.
However, the consequences of muguka addiction are severe, with users experiencing extreme cravings for cigarettes and bhang, and lacking appetite for food unless they eat prior to drug ingestion.
Furthermore, muguka households are often female-headed, with young women lacking real-life husbands.
President Uhuru Kenyatta ordered the Kenya Bureau of Standards to suspend 385 second-generation alcohol brands in 2015, but the problem persists.
To address this issue, Governor Kivutha Kibwana of Makueni County has proposed measures such as raising taxes on muguka suppliers and retail sellers, banning cultivation of muguka, and reducing the number of bars and wines and spirit shops in the county.
However, a young friend of the governor, who is an ex-muguka addict, advises that a more effective approach would be to show empathy and genuine love to the group, engage them respectfully, and prioritize professional counseling and rehabilitation centers.
Ultimately, it's essential to recognize the inherent dignity of the young people involved and work with them to create alternative, safe spaces for socialization and economic empowerment.
