Nairobi County Pledges Support to Miraa Exporters to Enhance Product Handling for International Markets
The Nairobi City County Government has pledged comprehensive support to miraa (khat) exporters to improve handling standards and meet stringent international market requirements. The commitment was made during a stakeholders’ forum convened by County Executive Committee Member for Trade, Ms. Wanjiku Mbaru, who acknowledged the significant economic contribution of the miraa sector and the need to enhance its global competitiveness. The forum brought together exporters, farmers’ representatives, and logistics experts to address critical challenges in the supply chain that have hampered the commodity’s performance in key export destinations.
The county’s intervention will focus on establishing specialized handling facilities at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), including modern packaging units and temperature-controlled storage areas to maintain the freshness of the perishable crop. We recognize that miraa is a delicate commodity that requires specialized handling from farm to foreign markets. Our administration is committed to working with exporters to establish standards that will ensure our product reaches international consumers in optimal condition, stated Ms. Mbaru. The county will also facilitate training programs on post-harvest management and international quality standards for exporters and their staff.
Miraa traders have welcomed the county’s intervention, citing previous losses due to inadequate handling facilities that compromised product quality upon arrival in international markets. This is the support we have been seeking for years. Proper cold chain management and specialized packaging can extend the shelf life of our produce significantly, opening up new markets that we couldn’t previously access due to quality concerns, said John Gitonga, Chairman of the Nyambene Miraa Traders Association. The sector has faced numerous challenges in recent years, including market restrictions in Europe, making quality maintenance even more critical for remaining competitive in available markets.
The long-term strategy includes collaboration with the national government’s Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA) to develop and enforce standardized grading and packaging regulations specifically for miraa exports. The county government also plans to establish a Miraa Exporters Service Desk at City Hall to streamline license applications and provide market intelligence. By enhancing our handling standards and supporting our exporters, we aim to not only protect existing markets but also explore new ones in regions like Southern Africa and the Middle East. This sector supports thousands of livelihoods, and we are committed to its sustainable growth, Ms. Mbaru affirmed. The success of these interventions could significantly boost Kenya’s export earnings from the controversial but economically important crop.