Back To Business As Miraa Farmers Start Their First Export To Somalia After Covid-19

On Sunday, June 24, 2022, the first shipment of miraa destined for Somalia will depart the country, according to the Agriculture Food Authority (AFA).

Since Mogadishu banned khat imports due to the COVID-19 outbreak, local miraa farmers have been shut out of the Somali market.

Only on July 15, 2022, following a caucus at State House in Nairobi, President Uhuru Kenyatta and his Somali counterpart Hassan Mahmud decided to quickly reestablish bilateral relations between their two countries.

All systems are prepared to make the transaction possible, and Kenya, the food authority, miraa traders, airlines, and the Somali government are now prepared to start trading, according to AFA.

“Agriculture CS Peter Munya confirmed that 22 Traders who have been approved by AFA will receive their export licenses and the farmers should expect to export their first crop before the end of the week,” AFA said in a statement on Friday.
All khat exporters interested in the Somali market must obtain an AFA license, according to the Crops (Miraa) (Amendment) Regulations 2022. Additionally, they are need to get a permit for each shipment they make to the Mahmud-led country.

Additionally, Miraa exports must meet the Kenya Bureau of Standards’ quality requirements (KEBS).

Those who are caught bringing khat into Somalia without following the rules could spend three years in prison. Additionally, they risk paying a fine of up to Ksh. 5 million.

Farmers in Miraa have welcomed the return of khat trade between Kenya and Somalia, but they have urged the government to give the necessary licenses and permissions as soon as possible.