Meru Residents Cry Foul on UK Miraa Ban at Sikika Sasa Tv Show

MERU, KENYA: Meru residents are pleading with the county government to look into the miraa ban enforced by the British government, as this has adversely affected their livelihood.

Speaking at Sikika Sasa forum- a UNDP Kenya initiative hosted by Jeff Koinange on KTN, the residents challenged the county government to seek alternative markets for the crop which is a major income generator to the county.

“I think the United Kingdom bullied a younger brother; it was very unreasonable for them to ban Miraa, when all studies had shown that Miraa is not a drug,” said Meru Deputy Governor, Raphael Muriungi.

He however said the county was keen in growing alternative cash crops to mitigate the effects of the ban imposed a year ago.

Igembe South MP- Mithika Linturi, vowed to ensure the ban is lifted saying that growing of khat preserves the county’s cultural value and pride.

The residents also raised issues on infrastructure, deteriorating health facilities and poor education standards affecting locals in the region.

“It is quite a challenge to transport our bananas to the market. Good roads would see us reduce losses and capitalise on more profits,’ says a farmer in the region.

Tea farmers are an unhappy lot as well.  Last year, they received a bonus of Sh46 compared to Sh26 in 2014.

“Last year we received bonuses of around Sh42 per kilogram,  this year it reduced to around Sh26, meaning anyone who has more than two children in school might be over burdened to educate them by January next year,” says Mutuiri a tea farmer.

Though Meru County thrives in growing other crops like wheat among others, poor education has been a setback to the county.

County leaders led by Deputy Governor Raphael Muriungi acknowledged that education standards are below average and assured residents that better strategies will be laid to make improvements.

Secretary General of Njuuri Ncheke - Phares Rutere, attributed lack of proper parenting as a vice to education.

“Children are being employed to pick and sell miraa at an early age. It is the duty of parents to counsel and advice our young ones on the importance of education,” he further added.

Recently, residents of Meru living near Level 5 hospital aired out complains of a foul smell of decomposing bodies after the mortuary's cold room broke down.

Governor Peter Munya assured the residents that plans to repair the cold room are underway to resolve the matter.

Leaders present at the Sikika Sasa show including Women's Representative - Florence Kajuju, vowed to address the grievances and action will be taken on areas of concern.