Win for Farmers as Senator Moves to Declassify Miraa as a Drug
Meru County Senator Kathuri Murungi has suggested eliminating Miraa from the current list of controlled substances.
In the 2024 Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Bill presented to Parliament, Murungi clarified that Miraa was included on the National Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) list due to the presence of two specific substances.
Because of this, Murungi is advocating for the reclassification of cathinone and cathine, suggesting they should no longer be considered psychotropic substances.
A psychoactive substance alters brain function and leads to shifts in behavior, consciousness, emotions, cognition, and perception.
In the meantime, Murungi highlighted that miraa is an acknowledged agricultural product and a primary means of sustenance for numerous Kenyans. He pointed out that the existing legislation hindered farmers from maximizing their benefits from the crop.
He stressed that the government’s endeavors to enhance the Miraa industry were being squandered because of the legislation in place.
Several measures implemented by the government to enhance the industry encompass the introduction of the Crops (Miraa) Regulations 2022, the initiation of trade with Somalia, and efforts to resume trade in various other international markets through renegotiation.
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“Despite these strides and gains made in developing a well elaborate and robust Miraa sector, the Miraa industry continues to suffer setbacks as the NACADA classifies Miraa as a psychotropic substance because of the Cathine and Cathinone substances found in Miraa,” he noted.
He reiterated that modifying the law would foster the growth of the Miraa industry, resulting in higher revenue for the nation and improved livelihoods for farmers.
Miraa, one of Kenya’s lucrative agricultural products, is regularly exported to various international destinations like Somalia, Mozambique, and Angola. In February, Cornelly Serem, the Chairman of the Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA), announced Kenya’s plans to commence exports of the crop to Israel.
Regarding the issue, Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua in October 2023 also called upon NACADA to reconsider labeling Miraa as a drug. He stressed that it should be seen as a legitimate cash crop akin to others.
“Those saying Miraa is a drug are enemies of the Meru community. The same reforms being made in the coffee sector will also be prioritized for Miraa,” Gachagua remarked.
The deputy reiterated to farmers that the government was actively ensuring their protection and access to markets.
Win for Farmers as Senator Moves to Declassify Miraa as a Drug