Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe has defended the government’s reporting on miraa exports to Somalia, insisting that official data remains consistent despite claims from farmers’ associations of higher volumes.
Kagwe was responding to questions from MPs on discrepancies in export figures and the reliability of current monitoring systems.
On the actual quantity of miraa exported daily to Somalia, Kagwe said government records show exports ranging between 13 and 17 tonnes per day, contrary to the over 40 tonnes reported by the Nyambene Miraa Trade Association (NYAMITA).
“The average quantities of miraa exported to Somalia daily as captured in the AFA Integrated Management Information System ranges between 13,000 and 17,000 kilograms,” he said, adding that volumes fluctuate depending on market orders and cargo space.
Kagwe noted that Somalia remains Kenya’s primary export destination for the commodity, especially after bans in the European Union and the Netherlands.
Since Somalia reopened its market in July 2022, Kenya has exported over 17 million kilograms of fresh miraa.
Addressing concerns about inconsistent data, the CS said the system used by government agencies is reliable.
“Export data obtained from AFA, KenTrade and KRA is consistent since all three agencies have their systems integrated,” he said.
He added that the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority receives the final air manifests, which reflect the exact quantities airlifted.
Kagwe dismissed reports of miraa exports by road or sea, stating: “Currently, there is no miraa exported to Somalia by road or sea that has been recorded since 2022.”
To address data challenges, Kagwe outlined several measures, including mandatory reconciliation of airway bills and flight manifests, KEPHIS inspections of all shipments, deployment of AFA crop inspectors at packaging points, and monthly reporting of miraa export data by airlines to the Kenya Airports Authority.
“This will seal possible loopholes and ensure accuracy in reporting,” he said.
The CS also highlighted ongoing government interventions to expand market access.
“We will continue to engage the government of Somalia with a view to additional landing rights outside Mogadishu,” he said, adding that Kenya is exploring the possibility of road exports and initiating miraa cargo flights from Isiolo to Manda Island for onward maritime distribution.
Kagwe further pointed to infrastructure support in Meru, Embu and Tharaka Nithi, establishment of the Miraa Research Institute, and injection of Sh220 million into farmers’ cooperatives.
He said AFA had collected Sh67.9 million in miraa levies, which is being reinvested in market access, product development and capacity building.
“The government is committed to ensuring that the miraa value chain receives the optimum support and attention required,” Kagwe said.
