Meru County Senator Kathuri Murungi has proposed the removal of Miraa from the existing drug list.
In the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Bill, 2024 fronted before Parliament, Murungi explained that Miraa was on the National Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA list of drugs because of two substances.
Due to this Murungi wants the two substances cathinone and cathine to stop being classified as psychotropic substances.
A psychotropic substance affects the functioning of the brain and causes a change in behaviour awareness, moods, thoughts and feelings.
Meanwhile, Murungi noted that miraa is a recognised crop and a source of livelihood for many Kenyans. He noted that the current law blocked farmers from fully reaping from the crop.
He emphasised that all the efforts the government has put in place to boost the Miraa industry were going to waste due to the law.
Some of these actions taken by the government to improve the industry include the enactment of the Crops (Miraa) Regulations 2022, the opening of Somalia markets and the renegotiation to reopen other markets in different countries.
"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 further emphasised that if the law is amended, the Miraa business will thrive leading to increased revenue to the country and livelihood to the farmers.
Miraa is among the cash crops in Kenya which are exported to foreign countries such as Somalia, Mozambique and Angola. In February the Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA) Chairman Cornelly Serem confirmed that Kenya was set to export the crop to Israel.
On the matter, Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua in October 2023, also urged NACADA to review categorising Miraa as a drug. He emphasised that it was a cash crop like any other.
"Those saying Miraa is a drug are enemies of the Meru community. The same reforms being made in the coffee sector will also be prioritised for Miraa," Gachagua remarked.
The second in command further assured farmers that the government was working to ensure they were protected and had available markets.
