Miraa farmers in the country are now smiling after Somalia re-allowed the exportation of the substance into their country. Somalia has blocked the importation of the stimulant for the last three after a tussle with the Kenyan Government.
The government of Kenya has been holding bilateral talks with their Somalian partners. According to a statement issued by the Agriculture Cabinet secretary on early July. The resumption of the Khat trade in Somalia will resume as from 5th July.
Miraa farmers have been counting losses since the closure of the market in Somalia as they were only relying on the local market. Kenya has been trying to diversify its market by trying to woo Djibouti. Djibouti imports its stimulant from Ethiopia. Ethiopia has not been meeting the demand, this came as a blessing for Kenyan Miraa farmers.
Good Times ahead for Miraa farmers as Djibouti Trade delegation arrives
Djibouti on its part had made a commitment to import over 20 tonnes of the Meru based product. However the war torn country of Somalia provides a better market for the product as consumption is high.
Kenya is also eyeing other markets including Europe and Israel whom have shown a keen interest with this Kenyan product. The government has also encouraged the farmers to innovate on how the product can undergo value addition.
