Motion to have miraa market passed

The assembly has passed a motion to have an official miraa market set up in the city.

Members said Khat is no longer a preserve of the Ameru people since it has over the years established itself as a major revenue earner for the country hence the need for a regulated market.

Karen Ward Rep David Mberia, who moved the motion, said Khat is a key crop in Kenya whose trade cuts across the city and accounts for employment of thousands of Nairobi residents.

He expressed concern that the cash crop, unlike other crops and sectors of the economy, has not been allocated markets to enable traders benefit from its commerce.

“Several associations of traders who retail the commodity have written letters requesting the county to allocate a market to Miraa traders. Their pleas appear to have fallen on deaf ears and I now ask the assembly to put aside a special market for the commerce of miraa, similar to other markets,” Mr Mberia said.

The ward rep said even though miraa exports rank among the country’s top 10, with a significant contribution to the country’s GDP, its traders continue to suffer at the hands of county enforcement officials.

“Over 20 tonnes of miraa are exported to Somalia from Nairobi weekly and to other local markets yet our traders continue to suffer at the hands of county officials who harass them for allegedly selling their wares in undesignated places,” Mberia said.

He continued: “If this motion is incorporated fully Mr Speaker, we will have struck green gold and rake in millions in terms of revenue collection for the county.”

Supporting the motion, Dandora Area III Ward Rep, Charles Thuo said introduction of the market will make it possible to regulate consumption of the crop by those not yet of age especially in areas such as Eastlands.

“I support the motion as long as the sale of khat sale will be limited to just adults,” Thuo said.

Also supporting the motion, Eastleigh South Ward Rep Nelson Masiga said khat use is the reason behind the successful business drive in Eastleigh adding that it was the right step towards achieving a 24-hour economy.

“In Eastleigh, we work 24 hours which explains the area’s booming business. We want the county government to put up this market so that we can regulate miraa sale and distribution within the county,” he said.

Speaker, Alex ole Magelo approved the motion.

“This assembly resolves that the county executive sets aside a special market for the trade of miraa similar to markets for farm produce, livestock and apparel,” he said.