Kenya to resume Djibouti miraa market after trade talks
By Nicholas Waitathu, July 24, 2025Kenya will resume the Djibouti miraa market five years after the Horn of Africa country imposed a ban, citing poor quality of the commodity and its impact on public health and the economy.
Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA) said on July 23, 2025, that Kenya has been cleared to resume miraa exports to Djibouti.
AFA Director General Bruno Linyiru said Kenya miraa has been cleared to access the Djibouti miraa market, following intensive trade talks between the two countries.
“We wish to notify the public and stakeholders of new export opportunities for Kenyan miraa (khat) to Djibouti,” he said in a statement, adding: “This is following successful engagements between the two nations.”
Djibouti banned the import of Kenyan miraa (khat) in 2021 due to its potential negative impacts on public health and the economy, and concerns about the quality of the miraa being imported.
This decision aimed to address issues related to miraa consumption and its effects on society, while also potentially supporting local miraa production.
He explained that as a result of a trade mission to Djibouti in October 2024 and a reciprocal visit by a Djibouti delegation in November 2024, Djibouti has opened its market for Kenyan miraa, subject to regulatory compliance.
Linyiru said the Djibouti market has a potential of 20 tonnes of miraa, though Kenya has to produce enough to endure strong competition from Ethiopia.
Kenya exports high volumes of miraa to Somalia, but significant volumes also find their way to Congo and Israel.
He, however, cautioned exporters interested in accessing the Djibouti market must comply with the outlined import regulations, including obtaining necessary permits and adhering to product standards.
“Additionally, the traders must comply with requirements by relevant regulatory and government institutions in Kenya. This is to ensure smooth trade operations,” Linyiru stated.