Agriculture and Livestock Development Cabinet Secretary Senator Mutahi Kagwe has clarified that Kenya exports between 13 and 17 tonnes of miraa (khat) daily to Somalia, dismissing claims that over 40 tonnes leave the country each day.

Speaking in Parliament, on December 3, 2025, CS Kagwe emphasised the importance of accurate data in the miraa sector, noting that official records from the Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA) Kenya indicate that over 17 million kilograms of miraa have been exported to Somalia since July 2022, following the reopening of the market after a decade-long ban in Europe.

“Kenya exports between 13 and 17 tonnes of Miraa (khat) daily to Somalia, dismissing claims that over 40 tonnes leave the country daily.”

Miraa’s economic role and production

Miraa remains a critical crop for Kenya’s economy, grown by about 110,000 farmers on 360,940 acres and supporting over 1.4 million livelihoods. Annual production is estimated at 32,000 metric tonnes, valued at Ksh13 billion, with 80–90% consumed locally, while Somalia continues to be the main export destination.

CS Kagwe explained that inconsistencies in reported export volumes arise from market-driven fluctuations in orders, cargo space availability, and produce supply. He assured Parliament that export data from AFA, Kentrade, and the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) is now fully integrated under the government single window system, enhancing transparency and accuracy.

“Miraa is grown by about 110,000 farmers on 360,940 acres, supporting over 1.4 million livelihoods, with annual production estimated at 32,000 metric tonnes valued at KShs. 13 billion. While 80–90% is consumed locally, Somalia remains the dominant export destination,” read the X post.

Government measures to safeguard exports

To strengthen data integrity and safeguard government revenue, the Ministry has introduced new controls, including mandatory submission of airway bills and flight manifests, KEPHIS inspections for all export consignments, deployment of AFA crop inspectors at export warehouses, and monthly export reporting by airlines to Kenya Airports Authority.

The government is also exploring alternative export routes, such as opening additional landing ports in Somalia, road exports through northern corridors, and direct miraa cargo flights from Isiolo to Manda Island.

In support of the sector, the Ministry has invested in irrigation, market sheds, boreholes, and earth dams across Meru, Embu, and Tharaka Nithi counties. A total of Ksh220 million has been injected into miraa cooperatives, while the Miraa Research Institute was established under the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organisation (KALRO) in 2021. Additionally, Ksh67.9 million in miraa levies collected since 2023 is being reinvested into research, market access, and infrastructure development.

“The Government remains fully committed to professionalising the miraa value chain and unlocking new export markets for our farmers.”