President William Ruto has issued a stern warning to miraa cartels in producing counties, declaring that their days are numbered as he moves to protect farmers from exploitation.
Speaking in Maua, Meru County, Ruto vowed to deal ruthlessly with cartels, just as he had in the coffee sector, to ensure farmers reap maximum benefits from their produce.
“We have made a declaration here in Maua. All cartels ruining the miraa business should leave this country because we want this trade to thrive like other agricultural sectors,” he said.
The President further emphasized that those interfering with the miraa trade have three choices: to stop their exploitative activities, face imprisonment, or leave the country.
“Tunawaambia mambo yao ni matatu. Either wakome ama mambo ya pili tuwapeleke jela ama waende ile safari,” he warned.
To revamp the miraa industry, Ruto outlined several key government interventions. First, he announced that miraa has now been officially classified as a cash crop, a move that will enhance government support and regulation.
Additionally, he stated that new gazetted prices have been set to ensure fair earnings for farmers. The government is also actively working to expand export markets, securing better trade opportunities for miraa growers.
Ruto revealed that he has engaged with the presidents of Somaliland and Jubaland to facilitate new export deals for Kenyan miraa.
“The same way we are helping tea, coffee, and sugarcane farmers find better markets, we are also supporting miraa farmers. That is why we have gazetted new prices,” he stated.
The President reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring that all farmers, regardless of their crop, receive full government backing. By eliminating cartels, securing international markets, and ensuring fair pricing, Ruto aims to restore the profitability and stability of the miraa industry.
As his administration intensifies its agricultural reforms, miraa farmers remain hopeful that these measures will translate into higher incomes and a more structured market for their produce.
