Side by Side photo of Agriculture CS Kagwe and bunch of miraa. Photo/Courtesy
By Daisy Okiring
The government has announced plans to establish specialized cooperatives to regulate the production and supply of miraa, a move aimed at stabilizing the market and protecting farmers from losses during periods of oversupply.
Principal Secretary for Cooperatives Patrick Kilemi said the initiative would help the state manage the harvesting and sale of miraa, especially during peak seasons when prices often plummet.
Speaking on Tuesday, Kilemi revealed that the ministry would hold consultative meetings with miraa stakeholders in the coming weeks to finalize the framework.
“We want to deliberate with stakeholders and control the supply side of miraa through cooperatives so that production can be regulated. While demand is beyond our control, supply is within our reach,” Kilemi said.
Creating a sellers’ market
Kilemi explained that uncoordinated harvesting had frequently led to an oversupply, reducing farmers’ bargaining power. By using cooperatives, he said, the government would ensure a more balanced market that favors sellers.
“There is no point in everyone harvesting when there is no market. That creates a buyers’ market, but we want a sellers’ market,” he noted.
The PS added that the government would also reinforce security along miraa transport routes, which have been frequent targets of hijackings and theft.
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Miraa’s economic importance
Miraa was declared a scheduled crop in November 2016 under the Crops Act, giving the government authority to regulate its cultivation and trade. The crop remains a major source of livelihood in counties such as Meru, Tharaka Nithi, and Embu, with cultivation spreading to Marsabit, Kirinyaga, Nyeri, Murang’a, Machakos, Makueni, Laikipia, and West Pokot due to rising demand.
The crop’s significance extends beyond domestic consumption. In July, the Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA) confirmed Djibouti as a new export destination following bilateral trade negotiations. Officials described the development as a breakthrough that would diversify Kenya’s export markets and strengthen diplomatic ties with the Horn of Africa nation.
“AFA wishes to notify the public and stakeholders of new export opportunities for Kenyan miraa in Djibouti, following successful trade engagements between the two nations,” said AFA director Antony Linyuru.
He explained that the deal followed a trade mission to Djibouti in October 2024 and a reciprocal visit by a Djiboutian delegation in November the same year. Exporters, however, were urged to comply with regulatory requirements, including product standards and permits.
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Balancing regulation with opportunity
Analysts say the government’s plan to regulate miraa through cooperatives could help shield farmers from price shocks while also strengthening accountability in a sector that has historically operated informally.
By organizing growers under cooperatives, the state hopes to introduce efficiency in production and trade while safeguarding miraa’s role as a cash crop in the Mt. Kenya region.
However, some stakeholders warn that over-regulation could stifle the crop’s competitiveness in global markets. The government has promised to balance control measures with new market opportunities to ensure farmers continue benefiting from the lucrative crop.
As consultations begin, miraa growers and traders are expected to play a central role in shaping the final cooperative framework, which could take effect before the end of the year.
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