Get ready for Miraa whisky, guarana, juice and energy drink

How about sipping miraa juice, miraa energy drink or miraa fine whisky or wine? (Kama ngaleta fine wine...leta fine wine...kama ngaleta whisky ngaleta fine whisky).

Your idea was actually not that farfetched if the latest move by the government is anything to go by.

On Wednesday, the Ministry of Agriculture announced a new direction as far as miraa is concerned, value addition.

Starting soon, you will now be able to enjoy khat not just a plant. 

During a National Miraa Scientific Conference in Nairobi, Ministry of Agriculture showcased whisky, wine, 'guarana, juice and energy drink produced from miraa; all of which are part of value addition for the stimulant.

Speaking at the conference jointly organised by the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) and the Meru County Government, Interior CS Dr. Fred Matiang’i announced plans to set up an intergovernmental committee to address issues hampering growth of the miraa industry in a bid to promote exports.

Matiang'i pointed out that the continued treatment of miraa as a drug by the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) has been the greatest impediment in the sector's growth.

The Interior CS promised that the government would provide infrastructural support to expand growth of the miraa sector.

"With the setting up of a research institution we will put resources... I’m seeing miraa wine and juice. The focus is to ensure miraa farmers and traders have enhanced opportunities and markets and hence more income. That is how poverty will be fought," said the CS.

"It is our responsibility to support product development and market development."

The Interior CS said he will also speak to NACADA to stop harassing Miraa traders and to see if there are any basis to their claims of the produce being a drug.

Matiang'i also called for the inclusion of miraa discussions in bilateral talks when heads of state and government visit the country to expand market for the farmers.

"When we have these visiting heads of other government, we should include miraa in the discussions So that we stop bastarsizing miraa trade.  We need to do more on terms of marketing and urging other countries to open up.for miraa trade," he said.

The National Miraa Scientific Conference focuses on research-based evidence on the impact of miraa on health, society and the economy.