{"id":12103,"date":"2026-04-21T18:04:58","date_gmt":"2026-04-21T15:04:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/horizonnews.co.ke\/?p=12103"},"modified":"2026-04-21T18:04:58","modified_gmt":"2026-04-21T15:04:58","slug":"busia-residents-push-for-legal-recognition-of-busaa-brewing","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/horizonnews.co.ke\/?p=12103","title":{"rendered":"Busia Residents Push for Legal Recognition of Busaa Brewing"},"content":{"rendered":"

 <\/p>\n

Busia County, Kenya \u2014 Residents, traders, and cultural stakeholders have formally petitioned the Busia County Assembly seeking the legalisation, regulation, and protection of busaa brewing, highlighting its deep cultural roots and economic importance.<\/p>\n

Veteran journalist Kennedy Epalat, who presented the petition, said he is prepared to defend it on behalf of residents. Speaking after handing over the document to Senior Sergeant-at-Arms Oroni Patrick, Epalat urged swift action by Members of County Assembly (MCAs).<\/p>\n

He noted that many Kenyans cross into Uganda to consume busaa, where it is legalised under regulated hours. He proposed a similar framework for Busia to curb informal trade and retain economic benefits locally.<\/p>\n

\"\"
Veteran journalist Kennedy Epalat (in checked tie) presents a petition to Snr Sergeant at Arms, Oroni Patrick in Busia town.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Cultural Backbone and Economic Lifeline<\/p>\n

The petition describes busaa\u2014a traditional fermented drink made from maize and millet\u2014as a cornerstone of social life in Western Kenya. It plays a central role in ceremonies such as marriages, initiation rites, dispute resolution, and communal gatherings.<\/p>\n

Petitioners argue that thousands of households, especially women and youth, rely on the brewing and sale of busaa for income. However, the sector operates largely informally, exposing participants to legal uncertainty and enforcement challenges.<\/p>\n

\u201cDespite its importance, busaa brewing remains poorly regulated and often criminalised, exposing brewers to harassment, exploitation, and unsafe practices,\u201d the petition states.<\/p>\n

Legal Gaps and Safety Concerns<\/p>\n

While acknowledging national laws like the Alcoholic Drinks Control Act 2010, the petitioners argue that such frameworks do not adequately address traditional brews. They also reference the outdated Busaa Act 1997, which has since been overtaken by broader alcohol regulations.<\/p>\n

The absence of a clear county framework, they say, has contributed to unsafe brewing practices, including the use of harmful additives, while also leading to significant revenue losses for the county.<\/p>\n

Citing the Constitution of Kenya 2010\u2014particularly Article 11 on cultural heritage and devolved functions under the Fourth Schedule\u2014the petitioners maintain that county governments have both the authority and obligation to regulate traditional brews responsibly.<\/p>\n

\"\"
Veteran journalist Kennedy Epalat ( in checked tie)and Snr Sergeant at Arms Oroni Patrick at the county assembly on Monday.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Key Proposals in the Petition<\/p>\n

The petition outlines several recommendations aimed at transforming the sector:
\nEnactment of a county law recognising busaa as a legitimate economic activity
\nIntroduction of a simplified and affordable licensing system
\nEstablishment of clear hygiene and safety standards
\nCreation of designated consumption zones
\nTraining programs for brewers to improve production practices
\nProtection of licensed brewers from harassment
\nFair taxation mechanisms to boost county revenue
\nPromotion of busaa as a cultural and tourism product<\/p>\n

Potential Impact<\/p>\n

Observers say that if adopted, the proposals could formalise the sector, improve public health standards, and unlock economic opportunities through job creation and increased county revenue.<\/p>\n

The Busia County Assembly is expected to review the petition in line with its standing orders and may recommend legislative or policy action.<\/p>\n

If passed, Busia could set a precedent for other counties by establishing a comprehensive legal framework tailored specifically to traditional brews\u2014balancing cultural preservation with modern regulatory standards.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

  Busia County, Kenya \u2014 Residents, traders, and cultural stakeholders have formally petitioned the Busia County Assembly seeking the legalisation, regulation, and protection of busaa brewing, highlighting its deep cultural roots and economic importance. Veteran journalist Kennedy Epalat, who presented the petition, said he is prepared to defend it on behalf of residents. Speaking after […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":12100,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[41],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-12103","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-governance"],"yoast_head":"\nBusia Residents Push for Legal Recognition of Busaa Brewing - Horizon News<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/horizonnews.co.ke\/?p=12103\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Busia Residents Push for Legal Recognition of Busaa Brewing - Horizon News\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"  Busia County, Kenya \u2014 Residents, traders, and cultural stakeholders have formally petitioned the Busia County Assembly seeking the legalisation, regulation, and protection of busaa brewing, highlighting its deep cultural roots and economic importance. 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