By REUBEN OLITA
October 1, 2026|A petition seeking the legislation, regulation and protection of traditional busaa brewing and consumption in Busia County has received overwhelming support from Members of the County Assembly.
Ten MCAs who were given an opportunity by Speaker Frederick Odilo to contribute to the petition on Wednesday generally supported the proposal, saying regulated busaa could deliver social, economic and cultural benefits for the county.
Speaker Odilo presented the petition on behalf of more than 65 petitioners and outlined their prayers, including the legalisation, regulation and protection of busaa production and consumption in the county.
Chakol South MCA Denzil Musumba, who was the first to comment, said the ingredients used in making busaa were similar to food products and noted that Uganda had introduced regulations governing its consumption.
“We are struggling on our own-source revenue. What we want is to try to regulate and ensure focus on busaa. Go with the right brand that helps our people and is not harmful to their health,” Musumba said.
Malaba South MCA Bonface Ekada Mamai said he supported the petition because of its economic and social implications.
“Busaa in Uganda has been legalised. Chairpersons of busaa clubs in Uganda are residents from Kenya. Such an arrangement is not in Kenya. Kenya loses revenue to Uganda,” Mamai said.
He added that some Busia residents risked their lives by crossing into Uganda to consume busaa and returning while intoxicated. “What we need is to put parameters in place. If opening time is 2pm, it is 2pm,” he said.
Amukura West MCA Dr Bonface Erute said addressing social issues associated with alcohol consumption was important, but stressed that the manner in which the drink was consumed should also be considered.
“We live in a capitalist society. Over 90 per cent of my fees was paid through proceeds from busaa. We can borrow from others,” Erute said.
He argued that allowing regulated busaa production could help retain revenue within Kenya and create economic opportunities for local residents.
Nominated MCA and chairperson of the single mothers’ caucus Beatrice Akinyi Opwapo said many women involved in busaa brewing were single mothers who depended on the trade for their livelihoods. She said regulated production could help address some of the challenges associated with illicit brews. “Why punish busaa drinkers?” she asked.
Nominated MCA Irene Eduwa said busaa contributed to employment opportunities, particularly for young people, and supported the petitioner’s initiative. “Our parents were brought up through changaa. The petitioner did a commendable job,” Eduwa said.
Busibwabo MCA Patrick Nyongesa congratulated Epalat but called for the involvement of religious leaders and members of the public in the process. “While I congratulate the petitioner, it would be prudent also to seek the views of the clergy,” Nyongesa said, questioning whether adequate public participation had been undertaken on the matter.
Bwiri Ward MCA Beatrice Kanoti also backed the petition, saying regulation could help curb some of the problems associated with illicit brews while creating employment opportunities.
Nangina Ward MCA Johnstone Makabwa said there was a need for clear regulations, noting that while some brewers might have good intentions, consumers could misuse the product.
Marachi East MCA Alexander Ayieko called for strict observance of timelines, licensing requirements and sanitation standards, as well as the establishment of designated areas for busaa production and consumption.
Marachi Central MCA Shadrack Masinde called for public participation and said regulated brewing could create employment.
Speaker Odilo told Nyongesa that it was not the responsibility of petitioners to conduct the formal public participation process, saying the responsibility rested with the relevant Assembly committees.
Odilo said he had referred the petition to the Culture, Sports and Social Services Committee, which has been given 60 calendar days to submit its report. He urged the committee to benchmark with Uganda and develop appropriate regulations for consideration by the Assembly.
The petitioner, veteran journalist Kennedy Epalat, thanked the county leadership for the manner in which the petition had been handled.
“I want to appreciate the leadership of the Busia County Assembly under the stewardship of Speaker Frederick Odilo for the treatment they have accorded this petition. I am sincerely humbled by the positive comments by all the 10 MCAs and pray that their input will be taken into account with a view to enhancing the petition,” Epalat said.
He said the proposal, if adopted, could contribute to revenue generation, poverty reduction, improved security and employment creation in Busia County.
Epalat further expressed hope that the Culture, Sports and Social Services Committee would visit Uganda for benchmarking and conduct public participation before submitting its report within the stipulated 60 days.
He said the outcome could provide a model for other counties seeking to develop frameworks for the regulation of traditional alcoholic beverages.
“I want to believe that the committee on Culture, Sports and Social Services, to which the petition has been referred, will go to neighbouring Uganda for benchmarking as directed by the Speaker and also conduct public participation in order to present a report within 60 calendar days that will act as a template for the other 46 counties in Kenya,” Epalat said.
He cited traditional brews from other parts of Kenya, including mnazi from the Coast, muratina from Central Kenya and karobu from Eastern Kenya, arguing that a policy framework could help governments regulate traditional beverages while protecting their cultural and economic value.