Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe has warned traders and exporters in the miraa sector to either comply with the Ministry’s minimum set prices or face delicensing.
Speaking during Meru Farmers’ Day on Friday, the CS explained that traders who don’t comply with the new prices will be required to reapply and indicate the prices they intend to offer farmers.
CS Kagwe emphasised that the new prices are meant to reflect the current market trends and also cushion the farmers from the tough economy.
“Air transport costs are no longer a valid excuse for underpaying our farmers. If you can’t meet the standards, consider other trade avenues,” the CS asserted.
On macadamia nuts, Kagwe reiterated that the ban on raw nut exports remains in place to safeguard the local players in the sector.
He further directed the Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA) to issue clear guidelines on approved macadamia seedlings to ensure quality production across the value chain.
CS Kagwe was joined by the Agriculture Committee Chair John Mutunga (MP, Tigania West), Tigania East MP Mpuru Aburi, AFA DG Bruno Linyiru, and other sector stakeholders.
In February 2025, CS Kagwe released new miraa prices, indicating that a kilogram of Grade 1 miraa would cost Ksh.1,300 from Ksh.700.
The price of Grade 2 miraa would cost Ksh.700 from Ksh.350 while Alele’s new price tag rose from Ksh.500 to Ksh.1,000 per kilogram.
Data from the Ministry reveals that the miraa sector contributes about Ksh.13 billion annually in revenue, highlighting its impact on the country’s economy.
