Gov't increases miraa prices

According to a statement issued on Saturday by Agriculture CS Mutahi Kagwe, a kilogram of Grade 1 miraa will cost Ksh.1,300 from Ksh.700. 

The price of Grade 2 miraa will now cost Ksh.700 from Ksh.350. A kilogram of Alele will cost Ksh.1,000 from Ksh.500. 

The new prices were negotiated during a meeting between the Ministry officials, farmers, traders and Miraa Pricing Formula Committee held on Thursday. 

The Committee is mandated to advise the industry pricing of Kenyan miraa. 

"In executing its duties, the committee reviews production data, cost, supply and demand among other parameters to advise the sub-sector," the statement read in part. 

According to the Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA), the miraa sector contributes about Ksh.13 billion annually in revenue, highlighting its impact in the country's economy. 

Kenya mainly exports the product to Somalia, Israel and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).