Kenya Establishes National Committee to Stabilize Miraa Prices and Boost Exports to Somalia

NAIROBI, Kenya (AX) — A fresh initiative is underway with Kenya inaugurating a revamped pricing panel to tackle the plummeting cost of miraa, known as khat in Somalia. This vital cash crop supports thousands of farmers, with the strategy centered around boosting exports to Somalia, the predominant purchaser of Kenyan miraa. The panel’s mission is clear: to stabilize miraa and muguka prices and enhance farmer revenues.

The nine-strong committee, a brainchild of the Agricultural and Food Authority (AFA), boasts members from the Ministries of Agriculture and Trade, plus reps from miraa and muguka groups. At the helm is James Mithika, a seasoned agriculture aficionado. Mithika detailed the committee’s objectives: setting fair price points for miraa and muguka by taking into account production expenses and seeking out new markets to lessen Kenya’s reliance on Somalia. “This committee was born from the persistent cries of farmers struggling to make ends meet, despite their hefty investments in growing,” Mithika remarked.

Somalia continues to lead as the top importer of Kenyan miraa, with cravings between 50 to 60 tons daily. Yet, unfortunately, today’s exports don’t even scratch the surface, seeing only half a dozen authorized exporters dispatching a meager five to 10 tons daily. This gap puts a lid on the potential earnings of Kenyan farmers, making it imperative for the committee to craft solutions that elevate export volume and scope.

“We can’t hinge everything on Somalia for exports,” Mithika stressed. “While their partnership is paramount, we must cast a wider net for market options to assure our farmers enjoy consistent and feasible pricing.”

The panel is also looking to iron out wrinkles in miraa transport logistics. Right now, miraa reaches Somalia via air, but Mithika suggests exploring terrestrial and maritime routes as promising alternatives.

Just in Meru County’s Igembe area, around 125,000 households bank on miraa farming, holding up nearly 625,000 people. Growers lament about meager returns from this back-breaking endeavor involving land prep, soil care, pruning, and safeguard measures for miraa and muguka.

Plans are afoot for the committee to visit miraa-farming heartlands to audit production costs and propose price tags, appealing for governmental enforcement.

Edited by: Ali Musa

alimusa@axadletimes.com

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