Hope for Miraa Farmers as Djibouti Embraces Kenyan Exports

In Summary

  • Djibouti opens market for Kenyan miraa (khat) exports after trade talks.
  • Agreement follows October 2024 trade mission and November 2024 reciprocal visit.
  • Exporters must meet Djibouti’s import rules, including quality and permits.
  • Market expected to fetch KSh 780 million monthly for Kenyan farmers.
  • Move diversifies markets after Somalia’s restrictions and Ethiopia’s competition.
  • Miraa supports livelihoods in Meru, Embu, Tharaka Nithi, and other counties.

Kenya’s miraa (khat) farmers and traders have secured a new export market in Djibouti, following successful trade negotiations, the Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA) announced on July 23, 2025. The breakthrough, facilitated by a trade mission to Djibouti in October 2024 and a reciprocal visit by a Djibouti delegation in November 2024, allows Kenyan miraa access to the Horn of Africa nation, provided exporters comply with regulatory standards.

Hope for Kenyan Miraa traders as Somalia lifts ban

AFA Director General Bruno Linyiru hailed the development as a milestone in diversifying Kenya’s miraa export markets. “Traders are encouraged to seize this commercial opportunity and connect with Djibouti buyers,” he said in a statement. The market is projected to generate KSh 780 million monthly for Grade 1 miraa, roughly half the revenue from Somalia’s market, according to posts on X.

The agreement comes after years of challenges, including Somalia’s 2020 ban on Kenyan miraa due to diplomatic tensions and competition from Ethiopia, which dominates Djibouti’s khat supply. Kenya aims to export at least 20 tonnes daily to Djibouti, addressing a supply deficit as Ethiopia struggles to meet demand.

Kimathi Munjuri, chairman of Nyambene Miraa Traders Association (Nyamita), expressed optimism. “This market will revive incomes for farmers in Meru, Embu, and beyond who’ve faced losses since Somalia’s restrictions,” he said. Miraa, a scheduled crop under the Crops Act of 2013, supports livelihoods in counties like Meru, Tharaka Nithi, Embu, and newer areas like Kirinyaga and Machakos.

Exporters must register with the Djibouti Port Community System, secure permits, and meet quality standards, such as specific twig lengths, to avoid delays. “Compliance is critical to sustain this market,” Linyiru noted. Past attempts to access Djibouti’s market in 2021 and 2022 faltered due to cancellations by Djibouti delegations, partly attributed to Ethiopia’s influence.

Farmer Joyce Nkirote from Meru welcomed the news but urged support. “We need training on quality standards to compete effectively,” she said. The AFA plans to work with cooperatives to ensure compliance and explore value-addition to enhance miraa’s shelf life and profitability.

The Djibouti market opening strengthens Kenya’s agricultural export strategy and regional trade ties, with further engagements planned to sustain and expand access by late 2025.