The Government of Kenya has pledged to start talks with neighboring Somalia to revive the export of the stimulant cash crop.
Interior Minister Fred Matiangi met with traders under the directive of President Uhuru Kenyatta.
“The Government of Kenya promises to step up talks with the Federal Government of Somalia to seek the lifting of the embargo on Kenyan khat (miraa), which was imposed by Somalia as part of its COVID-19 containment measures.” Interior Minister confirmed.
“Following a presidential directive, Fred Matiangi met the traders from Meru led by their governor Kiraitu Murungi and divulged that he’s in talks with his colleague’s Foreign minister Amb. Raychelle Omamo and Agriculture Minister Peter Munya and Defense Minister Monica Juma to find an immediate solution to the issue.” It added.
The Federal Government of Somalia banned the product from Kenya in April to curb the spread of coronavirus.
A meeting between the miraa traders and Kenyan officials led by Interior minister Fred Matiangi on Monday confirmed a loss of USD 5 million daily due to the ban.
“The ban has seen Miraa traders record a cumulative loss of Kshs. 5 billion a day.”
