Meru County leaders say miraa ban unfair to local economy

Business and political leaders in Meru County have appealed to the national government and human rights organisations to come to the aid of miraa farmers who have been adversely affected by the United Kingdom’s ban on the crop.

The leaders joined Meru County Governor Peter Munya in calling for a speedy resolution to rescue miraa farmers.

Munya said the ban was unfair: “There is no evidence that miraa is a drug, as people claim.”

Prominent businessmen Rajesh Hirani and Mike Makarena said the ban had thrown huge populations into peril since miraa is almost the only source of livelihoods.

“Parents in the miraa-growing regions of Igembe Central, Igembe North, Igembe South and a section of Tigania East are not able to pay school fees on time. Previously, they were getting good money from exports to European market,” said Makarena, who is also spokesman of Miraa Traders Association.