Fears UK miraa ban will chew up Meru economy

A British ban on miraa that came into effect this week could bring Meru County’s thriving economy to its knees.

Every aspect of life in the region, especially in Igembe and Tigania, revolves around miraa and things could soon be different for over 80 per cent of the county’s population, who eke out a living from the crop.

Farmers and traders’ options are limited as they try to come to terms with the ban.

The National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (Nacada) has not made things easier by waging all-out war on the stimulant.
The litany of woes seems to be getting longer with indications that more countries may follow suit and ban the stimulant altogether.

The United Kingdom was the last European Union nation to ban the sale and consumption of khat after the Netherlands. Others are the US, Canada, France, Germany, Norway, Denmark and Tanzania.

Following to the ban, business people are preparing to jump ship while others are scaling down their investments, anticipating a drastic cut in cash inflows.

Miraa vendors in Meru town are also feeling the pinch as prices have nosedived. “The ban has hit business and things might become worse in the coming days,” said a miraa trader who only identified himself as Miriti.

Residents, however, feel their leaders and the government have not fought hard enough to convince the UK to reverse the ban.
Nyambene Miraa Traders Association chairman Edward Mutuura said they feel completely neglected.

“We anticipate huge losses. Parents are also anxious about school dropouts due to lack of fees and reduced county revenue as long term effects,” said Mr Mutuura.

Allele Miraa Farmers Association chairman Nahason Kubai Limbere is a worried man. “I have never been employed but I have raised my family in a decent manner and even ensured my children go through school because of our dear miraa,” he said.

He said unlike crops like coffee, tea, and maize, an acre of miraa can earn over Sh1 million per year.

He, however, still hopes President Uhuru Kenyatta will fulfil his campaign promise to find more markets for the crop.

Kenya Miraa Farmers and Traders Association chairman Dave Muthuri said business in Maua and other towns will be crippled as they attracted investors and financial institutions due to the cash that changes hands there.

“Residents will soon be beggars if they do not find other methods of survival,” he said.

The farmers leaders said hundreds of pickers, those who supply banana leaves for wrapping, truck driver and loaders will all lose their jobs.

“The government should also worry as miraa was one of the largest foreign exchange earners,” businessman Mike Mutembei warned.