Miraa farmers thank President Kenyatta for Ksh1B budget allocation

Just a day after President Uhuru Kenyatta announced a Ksh1 billion budgetary allocation to cushion miraa farmers from the challenges brought about by the importation ban to European markets, the farmers have come out to thank the president for the move.

The farmers have thanked President Kenyatta for the efforts to revive the Miraa sub-sector, especially since they had been adversely affected by the 2014 ban.

The Head of State has instructed the Cabinet include the funds to support miraa, like other cash crops, in the 2016-2017 budget.

He also signed into law, a Bill that will categorize miraa as a cash crop.

The Mediated Version of the Miscellaneous Amendment Bill No 2 makes minor amendments to the Crops Act to recognize miraa as a cash crop.

The Act obligates the National Government to establish mechanisms for promotion, production, distribution and marketing of miraa as a cash crop.

“This historical law we have signed today giving miraa the legal backing as a cash crop will also give the crop the foundation of recognition in formal government structures,” said the President on Friday.