Miraa farmers from Kenya have pleaded with their government to fast-track negotiations with the Federal Government of Somalia (FGS).
The farmers said that they have suffered huge losses this year since the government of President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmaajo banned importation of miraa from Kenya.
Authorities in Somalia banned the importation, sale, and use of the stimulant in March 2020 as part of the measures imposed to curb the spread of COVID-19.
Since then, Somalia has lifted most of the restrictions it originally imposed.
However, miraa from Kenya remains on the list of banned products despite Mogadishu allowing the similar crops from Ethiopia to enter the country.
Kimathi Munjuri, the Chairman of the Nyambene Miraa Farmers and Traders Association, said Somalia remains Kenya’s biggest market for miraa.
“Each day, Kenya exports roughly 50 tons of miraa to Somalia, thus earning around Kshs. 16 million,” Kimathi said.
Kimathi led other farmers in appealing to President Uhuru Kenyatta to fast-track the ongoing negotiations with Somalia to protect them from incurring further losses.