Lift on miraa ban a step in the right direction says Lucy Mworia as she praises president Uhuru.

Isiolo, Friday 10th June, 2022:

Azimio La Umoja-One Kenya Coalition party National Coalition Executive Council (NCEC) second Deputy Treasurer Lucy Mworia has thanked President Uhuru Kenyatta and Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Peter Munya for spearheading the talks that led to the lifting of the ban on Miraa by the Somali Government.

Mworia said that the lifting of the ban was a big boost to miraa farmers and traders as since the miraa economy will blossom again.

The Somalia Government lifted the two-year ban on miraa export from Kenya, following diplomatic talks between President Uhuru Kenyatta and the country’s new president Hassan Sheikh Mohamud Thursday.
Agriculture CS Peter Munya said export of the crop mainly grown in Meru would begin in two weeks’ time when the two heads of State will sign a formal trade agreement.
According to CS Munya, direct flights between the two countries would also resume from next Tuesday in a move that would enable the crop to be flown directly from Isiolo airport. CS Munya said talks were complete and what was remaining was signing of agreement in a deal that will see Somalia sell seafood and other produce to Kenya.
A bilateral air service agreement (BASA) would be signed at the sidelines of an IGAD meeting to be held in Kenya on Tuesday in a move that would see relaxed visa rules.
Addressing the press outside Kaliati dispensary in Tigania West, Meru County when he started a two-day regional tour to local farmers, Munya said the new Somalia regime had promised improved diplomatic relations.
He said the trade talks were cemented after the Kenyan delegation led by President Kenyatta attended Mr Sheikh’s inauguration in Mogadishu Thursday.

“We thank the President for engaging the new government with speed to see that our miraa farmers are back to business. The ban had greatly affected the economy of Mt Kenya East and the farmers’ earnings and now our president and CS Munya have ensured this comes to an end and our people can now have money in their pockets” Mworia said.

Mworia said the ban had greatly affected the economy of Mt Kenya East, especially Meru, expressing optimism that the opening would boost the farmers’ buying power and have a ripple effect in the entire region.