Miraa farmers in Kenya have been allowed to sell their product in Djibouti, after the two counties reached a trade agreement. Photo: Courtesy.
Miraa farmers have a reason to smile after Kenya and Djibouti reached a trade agreement for farmers to export their produce in Djibouti.
However, the export of miraa will be subject to regulatory compliance. The development comes after the two countries undertook a series of trade engagements between October and November 2024.
The trade started with a Kenyan trade mission to Djibouti in October that was followed by a reciprocated mission by a Djibouti delegation in November.
Dr. Bruno Linyira, Agriculture Food Authority (AFA) Director General in a statement lauded the development as a great milestone in diversifying Kenya’s miraa export market. He further urged exporters to take advantage of the new commercial opportunity to link up with buyers in Djibouti for business engagements
Interested exporters have been encouraged to comply with Djibouti’s export regulations, which include obtaining necessary permits and adhering to product standards, as well as adhering to Kenyan governmental and institutional regulations to ensure smooth trade operations.
The development comes after Kenya resumed its exports in 2022, after a two-year ban in 2022 due to strained foreign diplomatic between Kenya and Somalia, during the reign of President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmaajo.
Miraa farming in the country received a lot of challenges in 2024, after four coastal counties; Mombasa, Kilifi, Tana River and Lamu, banned the entry of Miraa in their countries, as many youths had over indulged in the drug.
However, the ban was later lifted by President William Ruto, who met the leaders from the battling counties to resolve the stalemate.
The new trade agreement a greenlight to the booming Miraa business and farming in Meru and Tharaka Nithi counties.
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