The other side of lucrative plant

By Patrick Mathangani and Timothy Ntongai

Miraa is a lucrative crop that drives the economy in Igembe North and South districts.

However, some leaders say it has failed to uplift the living standards of the residents. They say availability of ready cash and lack of farmers’ savings schemes have led to misuse of the proceeds.

Parliament was once told that miraa worth Sh15 million is shipped from Kenya every day.

Father Muchunku of St Francis of Assize Catholic Church in Kimururu, Meru at a miraa farm his church owns.

But despite this, many men have turned to illicit brews, forcing the Government to withdraw licences from brewers.

Father Benard Muthomi of Tuuru Parish said many children do not go to school and spend spending time in miraa farms. Some have been given farms by parents. Children pick, package and transport the herb to brokers in Maua town.

In the morning, when other children go to school, those in Maua mingle with brokers at buying centres. Igembe DC Yatich Kipkemei said in addition to child labour, miraa was a threat to food security.

Crops abandoned

It is so lucrative that many farmers have abandoned food and cash crops like tea to plant it. He said the Government would educate residents of the importance of cash and food crops.

"Most of the food here is imported yet we have fertile soils and the rains are good," he said. Despite this, residents are financially stable and guaranteed ready cash throughout the year. They say it is difficult for a family to go hungry.

To feed a family, all one needs is rush to the farm, harvest a handful of miraa which can fetch as much as Sh300.

There is always a ready market for the herb.