This archive report was first published on 26 July 2019.
Ken Okoth, the late Kibra Member of Parliament, left a lasting legacy in his push to legalise marijuana in Kenya. His efforts to make the country a more progressive nation were evident in his numerous petitions to the National Assembly.
On September 21, 2018, Okoth wrote a letter to National Assembly Speaker Justin Muturi, petitioning for the legalisation of marijuana in Kenya. He sought to have the drug regulated and its safe use ensured, with a focus on protecting children from illicit use.
Okoth's vision was not limited to the regulation of marijuana. He also wanted research and policy development on the growth and use of the drug for medical, industrial, textile, and recreational purposes. He believed that this would preserve intellectual property rights for Kenyan research and natural heritage.
Furthermore, Okoth believed that legalising marijuana would have a positive impact on the economy. He proposed progressive taxation measures to boost economic independence and promote job creation along the value addition chain for marijuana and hemp.
Okoth's efforts to legalise marijuana were cut short when he passed away on July 26, 2019, at the age of 41. However, his legacy lives on, and his vision for a more progressive Kenya continues to inspire.
