The Ministry of Agriculture on Saturday, February 15 announced an increase in the prices of miraa in the country.
In a statement, Agriculture Cabinet Secretary (CS) Mutahi Kagwe said the prices of miraa had been reviewed upwards to reflect the current market trends, without shortchanging miraa farmers.
Effective immediately, a kilogram of Grade 1 miraa will now cost KSh1,300 up from KSh700. A kilogram of Grade 2 miraa will cost KSh700, up from KSh350, while a kilogram of Alele will go for KSh1,000 up from KSh500.
Miraa farming has recently been facing significant challenges due to unfavourable prices and the negative influence of middlemen on the farmers.
Farmers, in response, initiated a boycott of miraa harvesting to highlight their plight and demand systemic changes.
The new prices were negotiated during meetings held on 12th and 13th February 2024 at Kilimo House, attended by leaders from miraa growing counties.
The two meetings in 2024 culminated into another meeting held on Thursday, February 13, 2025 between Ministry officials, farmers, traders and the Miraa Pricing Formula Committee.
Responding to the new prices, Water CS Eric Mugaa hailed the decision as a step in the right direction.
“I would like to inform our Miraa farmers and traders that the newly announced prices by Ministry of Agriculture are a short term relieve to avoid further losses as negotiations continue with traders,” he said.
