MERU, Kenya – Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe issued a stern warning to miraa traders and exporters on Friday, insisting that those who fail to comply with the Ministry’s newly set minimum prices for the commodity would face delicensing.
Speaking at the Meru Farmers’ Day event, Kagwe made it clear that any trader unwilling to meet the updated prices would be required to reapply for their licenses, along with a justification for the prices they intend to offer farmers.
The new pricing structure, which was introduced in February 2025, aims to better reflect current market conditions and provide relief to farmers facing economic hardship.
Kagwe explained that the adjusted prices would help cushion local producers from the challenges posed by the tough economic environment, ensuring that farmers are fairly compensated for their produce.
“Air transport costs are no longer a valid excuse for underpaying our farmers,” Kagwe emphasized, urging traders to either comply with the new guidelines or consider pursuing other trade avenues.
His comments reflect an increased government push to protect the interests of miraa farmers, particularly those in Meru, who rely heavily on the crop as a primary source of income.
The revised prices, which were released by the Ministry earlier this year, significantly raised the value of miraa.
A kilogram of Grade 1 miraa now costs Ksh.1,300, up from Ksh.700, while Grade 2 miraa has risen to Ksh.700 from Ksh.350.
Alele miraa has seen its price nearly double, increasing from Ksh.500 to Ksh.1,000 per kilogram.
These changes represent a considerable shift in the market, underscoring the government’s efforts to better align the pricing of miraa with the realities of the agricultural sector.
Kagwe also addressed the ongoing situation in the macadamia nut sector, reiterating the government’s stance on the ban of raw macadamia nut exports.
The ban remains in effect as part of efforts to protect local processors and ensure that the entire value chain benefits from the sector’s growth.
To further support the macadamia industry, the CS directed the Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA) to issue clear guidelines on the approved varieties of macadamia seedlings to ensure quality production across the sector.
The Ministry’s focus on miraa and macadamia comes at a time when both crops play an increasingly significant role in Kenya’s agricultural economy.
According to data from the Ministry, the miraa sector contributes an estimated Ksh.13 billion annually in revenue, highlighting the importance of this crop not only to the farmers but also to the national economy.
Kagwe’s remarks were supported by key figures in the agriculture sector, including Agriculture Committee Chair John Mutunga (MP, Tigania West), Tigania East MP Mpuru Aburi, and AFA Director-General Bruno Linyiru, who all attended the Meru Farmers’ Day event.
The government’s clear message is that it will not tolerate exploitation of farmers and is committed to ensuring fair trade practices within the agricultural sector.
