Muguka farmers in Mbeere, Embu County are now demanding their share of the Sh1 Billion allocated to the sector by President Uhuru Kenyatta.
The farmers have asked that they be given 40 per cent (Sh400 Million) of the amount that was given to Meru County for revival of the miraa (khat) business that was hardly hit after the United Kingdom banned sale of the crop classifying it as a harmful drug.
Through their organisation, Mbeere Muguka Sacco, the traders have ordered that they too be allocated a share of the money asking President Kenyatta to ensure that they were not discriminated.
The Sacco's Chairman Francis Kimori stated that they had also suffered losses with the ban of Miraa therefore ought to be included when sharing the money.
“Embu was equally affected by the ban of miraa in Britain and other markets as was Meru. We, too, need the cash grant. We already have registered groups and saccos where the money can be channelled through to maximise benefits,” affirmed Kimori.
The Head of State gave Sh1 Billion to farmers during a meeting with Meru leaders at State House, indicating his commitment to support the crop which is one if not the highest income earner of the region.
President Kenyatta went ahead to classify miraa as a cash crop, despite studies revealing that the product was a drug.
