Hard truths. Bold Insights. Real talk.
Data released by the Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA) shows Kenya exported 692,000 kilogrammes of miraa between January and March, compared to 795,668 kilogrammes during the same period last year. The drop in export volumes reduced earnings to Sh3.09 billion from Sh3.56 billion, representing a loss of about Sh470 million.
Data released by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) shows that 20.1 per cent of Kenyans aged between 17 and 23 years reported using khat, commonly known as miraa. Based on the country’s youth population of 13.7 million, this translates to about 2.7 million users, making it the most widely consumed substance among those surveyed.
The County Assembly’s Committee on County Affairs, Public Service and Intergovernmental Relations, chaired by Adow Omar has been receiving submissions from relevant stakeholders and government institutions.
Speaking on Wednesday, Kindiki said the new bridge will be constructed urgently to curb frequent accidents along the notorious black spot on the main road linking Tharaka Nithi and Meru counties.
The move is expected to revitalize the industry, boost incomes in Meru, and limit exploitation by cartels that dominated airport exports.
Despite its importance, the miraa crop has been affected by unstable prices, unpredictable markets, and restrictions in some foreign destinations.
The CS lamented that miraa transporters have not honored a call to have a sit-down with security officials in order to find a way forward.
The Deputy President explained steps taken by the government to cushion farmers, including the gazettement of a minimum guaranteed price for miraa
The Health CS urged Parliament to urgently enact laws to either ban or regulate shisha, miraa, and muguka, substances that pose similar health risks.
The legislative push, introduced by Kilifi North MP Owen Baya, seeks to amend the Crops Act to clearly separate Muguka from Miraa and delist it as a scheduled crop.