Miraa exports from Kenya to Somalia double after relations enhanced

FILE: Khat farmers in Kenya

NAIROBI, Kenya - Local Khat [Miraa] farmers from Kenya have started raking in huge profits from the federal republic of Somalia, due to the most recent enhanced smooth relationship between the two nations whose cooperation has often been hindered by geopolitics and national interests.

Somalia lifted the ban imposed on Kenya Khat last year following the settlement of a number of political issues that tax threatened stability in the Horn of Africa. Somalia had been complaining about the alleged interference of Kenya in her internal affairs besides the maritime case which was concluded at the International Court of Justice [ICJ].

Reports indicate that Khat exports have now increased to 50 tonnes daily from the 19 that Mogadishu had insisted on. The trade between the two nations resumed on July 2022 after the maiden visit of President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud to Kenya and the subsequent visit by the Kenyan delegation.

Concerned traders from Kenya had put the government on its toes to solve the pending issues with Somalia, forcing them President Uhuru Kenyatta to dispatch a team led by former Interior minister Fred Matiang'i to Mogadishu. The teams reached an amicable solution at that time.

Head of Miraa Pyrethrum and other Industrial Crops Felix Mutwiri said the exports have been ramped up from the daily 19 tonnes when the market resumed, Business Daily reports.

“So far we are allowed to ship at least 50 tonnes of miraa a day to Mogadishu,” said Mr. Mutwiri.

A joint commission has been addressing the issues following formal appointments by the governments of Somalia and Kenya. Traders had complained about the limits issued by the federal government of Somalia on limitation of the quantity that is exported, leading to the latest directives of lifting limits.

Under the new Miraa laws, over 50 traders have been licensed to engage in trading of the commodity by the joint commission. Anyone who exports the crop without registration and a license is liable to a sentence of up to three years or a fine of up to $50,000 under the new regulation.

The new regulations have also capped the kilogram of Miraa to be sold at $23 but the price is still lower since the commodity used to be traced at $25 before Somalia banned importation. Somalia still remains the largest market for the Kenyan Miraa according to statistics.

GAROWE ONLINE