Meru miraa farmers and traders have opposed the newly implemented Meru County Miraa Promotion (Amendment) Act, 2025, arguing that the law introduces burdensome licensing requirements and levies without adequate public consultation.
The legislation, which took effect on June 29, 2026, introduces sweeping reforms across the miraa value chain, including mandatory registration for farmers, traders, aggregators, transporters, processors, importers and exporters.
Under the new law, all players in the sector must obtain operational licences before conducting business.
Commercial transporters are also required to pay county levies ranging from KSh5,000 to KSh10,000, depending on their vehicle capacity, while processors, importers and exporters must pay prescribed licensing fees.
The Act further introduces stricter quality control and hygiene measures aimed at improving food safety and meeting phytosanitary standards.
Miraa handlers will now be required to undergo medical examinations and obtain valid food handlers’ certificates before operating.
Public health officers will also monitor harvesting practices, including the use of agrochemicals, as well as aggregation and transportation procedures.
Another key provision states that ownership of miraa officially transfers to the buyer once the produce has been delivered, a measure the county government says is intended to reduce disputes and losses resulting from returned consignments.
However, a section of farmers and traders says the law was enacted without meaningful engagement with stakeholders.
Led by their chairman Moses Lechoro, the group claimed they were not consulted during the drafting of the legislation and therefore had no opportunity to present their views.
They argue that the new licensing requirements and levies will increase the cost of doing business and place an unnecessary burden on thousands of farmers and traders who depend on miraa for their livelihoods.
The stakeholders have called on Meru Governor Isaac Mutuma to review the implementation of the law and engage industry players in fresh consultations.
They have also appealed to President William Ruto to support the expansion of international markets for Kenyan miraa, saying increased exports would improve farmers’ incomes and strengthen the sector.
The Meru County Government, however, maintains that the amendments are designed to streamline the miraa industry, improve product quality, protect consumer health and enhance compliance with both local and international standards.
