State plan to declassify miraa as hard drug a boost for farmers

Miraa consumers will soon be able to enjoy the stimulant in the form of drinks as the government looks to add value to the plant.

The Ministry of Agriculture showcased a variety of drinks derived from miraa during a National Miraa Scientific Conference in Nairobi.

The drinks include miraa wine, whiskey, guarana, juice and a miraa energy drink.

This came as the ministry held a joint conference with the Kenya Medical Research Institute (Kemri) and the Meru government in Nairobi to discuss measures that will boost miraa farmers. 

Among the plans include engaging the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (Nacada).

This will review its classification of the crop that is grown in Meru and Embu counties as a ‘hard drug’, saying the label was not supported by scientific evidence.

Miraa traders have complained about Nacada crackdown against the crop and the harassment by county governments implementing the restrictions linked to the categorisation.

Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i said he will engage the agency for the change in its stand.

“In the next two or three years, we should conclude the argument on the classification of miraa. The focus now should shift towards supporting miraa farmers and traders access more markets," he said.

"We should stop this habit of bastardising miraa farmers and traders.” 

Matiang'i said the government has set up a new team to promote the sale of miraa locally and in foreign markets.

He said the team comprising relevant government ministries and the Meru government will also work on resolving sticky issues plaguing the crop.

The intergovernmental standing committee will now take over the implementation of the report by the Task Force on the Development of the Miraa Industry.

He spoke at the launch of the National Scientific Miraa Conference jointly organised by the county and Kemri at the University of Nairobi.

“We now need institutional alignment and regulatory harmony to promote the miraa trade, which is the mainstay of the economy of Meru and its environs,” he said.

Trade CS Betty Maina said the government is currently exploring other markets for miraa products, and talks are ongoing with the DRC, Djibouti, Mozambique, Yemen and Israel, among other countries.

To complement the diplomatic onslaught, Agriculture CS Peter Munya urged the farmers and traders to diversify miraa products through value addition and innovation.

Meru Governor Kiraitu Murungi said the two-day conference will consolidate research evidence of the impact of miraa on health, social and economic well-being and ultimately help in addressing the challenges that have dogged the sector.