NAIROBI (KAAB TV) – Community elders in Sala town, Mandera district, in the northeastern region of Kenya, have issued a broad ban on the consumption and trade of khat, warning that those who violate it may face social discrimination, rejection of marriage prospects, and even religious rites.
At a press conference held this week, Uqasha stated that khat, a simple drug that is widely used in the Horn of Africa, is damaging to the values of society, especially the youth and students.
“It is not possible to sell or eat food in the city. Men will not be given khat food and girls, and whoever does not pray the Islamic funeral prayer will not be prayed,” said Adan Dahiye Qoriyow, one of the traditional elders of the region.
The circular, which was announced after months of consultation, primarily targets khat consumption which elders blame for family neglect, student drug use, and community breakdown.
The elders insist that the funeral ban was imposed only on people who eat khat and miss the Islamic prayer, a move that has caused a lot of debate. However, Daahiye clarified: “This is not to target people who eat khat indiscriminately.” If they pray, they are advised to reform instead of denying religious worship.”
Before the ban came into effect, elders conducted a four-month awareness campaign to warn of the economic and social problems of khat.
“We worked with the local community. “Four women and one man who used to sell khat have now switched to other businesses,” said Dahiye. “Awareness efforts are useful.”
The move is in line with the broader anti-khat efforts in Kenya. Last year, the governors of Mombasa, Kilifi, and Taita Taveta counties issued executive orders banning the trade in khat—clearly targeting the Muguka variety—before President William Ruto overturned the decision, citing the legality of a commercial crop.
The Muguka ban has sparked a backlash, especially among farmers in central Kenya, where khat cultivation is a major source of income. However, the authorities have justified the ban, arguing that khat is associated with juvenile delinquency and addiction.
Cat contains cathinone and cathine, psychoactive compounds that cause mild euphoria but are less powerful than amphetamines. Despite its widespread use, chronic khat consumption has been linked to mental health issues, increased aggression, and financial stress.
“Many students are now consuming khat, and we are seeing cases of drug use among young people. The women are also complaining that their husbands, who are used to khat, have abandoned their financial responsibilities,” said Dahiye.