UK legislators to press for lifting ban on Miraa

By James Mwambai 

NANYUKI, KENYA: The United Kingdom House of Commons’ Home Affairs Select Committee has assured Miraa farmers that it will continue pressing the UK Government to lift the ban on Khat. 

Speaking during a meeting with President Uhuru Kenyatta in Nanyuki on Thursday, the select committee said it had recently completed an inquiry and produced a report which recommended the UK refrain from banning miraa. 

The committee, led by its chairman, Rt. Hon. Keith Vaz MP, said it has been on a fact finding tour in the country to collect evidence that would support its push for the lifting of the ban on miraa. 

The committee has already met the Meru community and other stakeholders involved in the Khat business. 

Regarding terrorism, the UK Home Affairs Select Committee acknowledged the Kenya Government’s efforts in the war against terror. 

The committee said the UK will continue working with the Kenya Government to ensure security and stability within the region. 

The President welcomed the visit by the UK Home Affairs Select Committee and expressed optimism that they would succeed in their mission. 

Other members of the UK Home Affairs Select Committee included Mark Recklers MP, Loraine Fulbrook MP among others.