Lobby seeks govt help over miraa ban by Somalia

A Meru-based lobby wants the national government to intervene and persuade the Somali government to lift a ban on miraa imports from Kenya.

The Green Gold Ambassadors said the cancellation of miraa-transporting flights to Somalia from Kenya will shrink Meru County's economy.

Founder and patron Mr Rajesh Hirani said Somalia is the only remaining lucrative international market after khat was banned in a majority of the European Union countries.

The United Kingdom was the last EU state to ban the stimulant in June 2014.

"Our county is appealing to the government that miraa be treated with the seriousness it deserves," Mr Hirani told Nation.co.ke on Wednesday.

"It is the single largest crop which a majority of the people in Nyambene region depend for their livelihood," he added.

The official, who last year led traders in disputing a research by Moi University that the prolonged use of the stimulant could cause heart attack and is likely

to affect sexual performance, said the a long-lasting solution should be found to end the many problems that have bedevilled the crop.

"We are suggesting that ambassadors be selected so that they can represent the views of farmers in different countries that are potential markets for the crop.

"Stronger interventions are now needed about this crop more than ever," he said.

ANGRY REACTION

And at Kautine in Igembe Central, farmers who reacted angrily at the announcement by the Somali government threatened to deny President Uhuru Kenyatta votes in next year's election if no efforts are made to lobby against the ban.

(READ: Somalia blames Munya for miraa ban)

They said at no other time has the miraa industry faced such restrictions with no help from the government.
Mr John Kubai said the government should use diplomacy to retain the Somalia market.
"Sh1 billion was given to cushion farmers from the losses. We are yet to know the whereabouts of that money.