University seeks patent for miraa sachet innovation

Meru University Seeks Patent for Groundbreaking Miraa Sachet Innovation
MERU, Kenya – In a move poised to reshape the economic landscape of the Miraa (khat) growing region, Meru University of Science and Technology (MUST) has filed for a patent on a revolutionary processed miraa product. The innovation involves drying and packaging the stimulant plant into airtight, powdered sachets, a development that could dramatically extend its shelf life, open up new international markets, and add significant value for local farmers.
The traditional consumption of fresh miraa leaves has long limited its commercial potential, as the plant is highly perishable and must be transported and sold within a narrow window after harvest. The university’s scientific breakthrough addresses this core challenge. By developing a specialized drying and preservation technique, the researchers have created a stable, powdered form of miraa that can be stored for months without losing its potency. The product is designed to be dissolved in water or chewed directly from the sachet, offering a convenient and more discreet alternative to the fresh twigs.
The announcement has been met with cautious optimism from farmers and traders in Meru County, the heart of Kenya’s miraa production. If this technology works as promised, it could be our salvation, said a representative from a local farmers’ cooperative. It would allow us to export beyond the current limited, time-sensitive routes and stabilize prices for our crop. The innovation is seen as a potential solution to the market volatility and export bans that have plagued the sector for years, offering a path toward a more formalized and lucrative industry.
The long-term outlook for the patented innovation hinges on regulatory approval and commercial scaling. MUST is now seeking partnerships with private investors to build a production plant and navigate the complex international regulations governing novel food and stimulant products. If successful, the miraa sachet could transform a controversial, locally-traded crop into a standardized, value-added export commodity, providing a sustainable economic future for thousands of farmers and positioning a Kenyan university at the forefront of agricultural biotechnology.