Kenyan miraa farmers have something to smile about as the country strikes a fresh trade deal with Djibouti, opening up a new export destination for the stimulant crop.
The agreement follows months of private talks between Nairobi and Djibouti, including trade missions in October and November last year.
At first, Kenya sent a team to Djibouti to explore business opportunities, which was later followed by a mutual visit from Djiboutian officials.
In the deal, Kenyan exporters are allowed to begin shipping miraa to Djibouti but only if they meet all the set of regulations. These include obtaining required export permits and adhering to quality and packaging standards highlighted by both governments.
Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA) Director General Bruno Linyiru hailed the development as a “timely breakthrough” that will help diversify Kenya’s miraa markets.
“This is a great opportunity for our traders,” he said. “We ask all potential exporters to understand and familiarize themselves with Djibouti’s regulatory framework and link up with buyers as early as possible.”The move is among Kenya’s broader push to revive and expand the trade, in this case to expand Mira’s trade which supports thousands of households, especially in Meru and surrounding counties.
Kenya reopened miraa exports business to Somalia in 2022 after two-year suspension caused by a diplomatic fallout during former Somali President Mohamed Farmaajo’s administration.
With Djibouti now officially open, hopes are high that more regional markets could follow.
