Meru Governor Kiraitu Murungi affirmed to utilize the forum provided by the 2018 Devolution Conference to sell and market miraa to other county bosses attending the conference.
Speaking to journalists on Monday in Kisumu, Kiraitu stated that miraa had joined the league of other cash crops and needed to be embraced nationally.
Kiraitu noted the miraa industry faced hurdles facing and maintained that he will use the opportunity provided by the devolution conference in Kakamega to market it.
The Meru governor further vowed that he will engage the MCAs from the counties where the use of the plant was threatened.
[caption caption="Meru Governor Kiraitu Murungi"]
[/caption]
“We will be having a lot of meetings on the sidelines of the conference, and I hope to meet leaders from the two counties, as well as lobby for the bailout of miraa farmers by the national government,” Kiraitu stated.
He further remarked that even though he will not get the opportunity to address the conference, he will use other networks such as the National Miraa Taskforce Business, and other forums to channel issues facing the crop.
In the recent past, the miraa market faced huddles following its ban in select European countries following its classification as a drug.
In Kenya, Kwale County is contemplating outlawing the use of the plant after a motion was introduced in the assembly over the ban.
Additionally, some reports also alleged that some leaders in Garissa County were contemplating sponsoring a motion to ban the use of miraa in the county, which the Governor admitted was within his knowledge.
[caption caption="Miraa displayed for sale"]
[/caption]
At least 6, 000 delegates are expected at the devolution conference which is set to be officially opened by President Uhuru Kenyatta.
