Miraa consumers in Kenya will now face higher prices following an announcement from the Ministry of Agriculture. On February 15, 2025, Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe revealed that the prices of various grades of miraa, a popular stimulant crop, had been increased.
The price for Grade 1 miraa has been raised from Ksh700 to Ksh1,300 per bundle, while the price of Grade 2 miraa has jumped to Ksh700 from its previous price of Ksh350. The cost of Alele miraa, another grade of the crop, has also been doubled from Ksh500 to Ksh1,000 per bundle. These price adjustments are part of the government’s broader efforts to address the concerns of miraa farmers and to stabilize the industry.
The price revisions were the result of a meeting held on February 13 by the Miraa Pricing Formula Committee, which gathered submissions from farmers. The committee was established under the Crops Regulations 2023, as stipulated by Regulation 29, to advise on the pricing of Kenyan miraa. The committee consists of nine members, including representatives from the Ministries of Agriculture and Trade, as well as leaders from various miraa associations. Its role is to ensure that the pricing of miraa reflects the interests of both producers and consumers while taking into account market trends and the costs of production.
CS Kagwe highlighted that the price adjustments were necessary to support the miraa farming sector, which has been facing significant challenges due to the persistent low prices of the crop despite increasing production costs. Farmers have long voiced their concerns about the unsustainable prices they receive for their produce, which has made it difficult for them to cover their expenses and earn a fair profit. The government’s decision to increase the prices comes as part of its broader strategy to help the miraa industry thrive, improve the livelihoods of farmers, and ensure the crop’s continued cultivation.
In addition to the price changes, Kagwe emphasized the government’s commitment to tackling market access issues for miraa farmers. He assured them that efforts are underway to expand both domestic and export market opportunities, thereby improving the overall sustainability of the industry. He noted that the government would continue to work with relevant stakeholders to overcome barriers that have previously hindered the expansion of the miraa market.
Miraa is predominantly grown in Meru County, particularly in the Nyambene Hills, as well as in Tharaka Nithi and Embu counties. However, the demand for the crop has led to its cultivation spreading to other parts of the country, including Marsabit, Kirinyaga, Nyeri, Murang’a, Machakos, Makueni, Laikipia, and West Pokot. These counties have seen increasing interest in miraa farming due to its profitability, but the expansion has also led to challenges in managing supply and ensuring fair pricing for farmers across the country.
The government’s involvement in regulating the miraa industry dates back to November 2016, when the crop was officially declared a scheduled crop under an amendment to the Crops Act of 2013. This legal recognition allowed the government to intervene more directly in the miraa value chain, enabling it to regulate production, promote sales, and address challenges faced by farmers.
As the new prices take effect immediately, the changes are expected to have a significant impact on both the local and international miraa markets. While the price increase may benefit farmers in the short term, it also raises questions about the long-term sustainability of the miraa industry, especially in the context of fluctuating demand and the challenges associated with accessing new markets. Nonetheless, the government remains committed to ensuring that miraa farming remains a viable and profitable industry for Kenyan farmers.
