By Michelle Ndaga
Kenya’s miraa industry has recorded a 16.9% drop in exports to Somalia during the first half of 2025, falling from approximately 2.1 million kilograms to 1.7 million kilograms.
The decline reflects increased competition from Ethiopian producers, who now have partial access to Somalia’s miraa market.
Somalia recently allowed Ethiopia exclusive access to its miraa market for 10 days each month, a move that Kenyan exporters say has disadvantaged them.
The trade is further complicated by regulatory hurdles in Somalia, making the market less predictable for Kenyan growers and traders.
Miraa remains a critical cash crop for farmers in regions such as Meru, Embu, Tharaka Nithi, Kirinyaga, and Marsabit, with nearly all of Kenya’s annual production of around 32,000 tonnes destined for Somalia. The sector supports thousands of smallholder farmers and generates significant income for local communities.
In response to the slump, some Kenyan traders are seeking alternative markets, including Djibouti, following bilateral discussions to expand exports.
Recent quarterly data from the Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA) shows a 29% drop in the value of miraa exports to Somalia in April–June 2025 compared to the same period in 2024, highlighting the growing challenge posed by regional competition.
Industry stakeholders warn that heavy reliance on Somalia makes Kenya’s miraa trade vulnerable and stress the importance of diversifying export destinations to maintain the sector’s stability and profitability.
