Aasai

Meru, Kenya – Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe has issued a stern warning to miraa traders and exporters defying government-set minimum prices, cautioning that those underpaying farmers will be delicenced within two weeks. Speaking during a farmers’ day event in Meru on Friday, Kagwe insisted traders must adhere to the agreed prices or reapply for licences indicating their commitment to the set rates.

 The CS dismissed high air transport costs as an excuse, suggesting miraa could be moved by road once security concerns at the Somalia border are addressed. “If the cost of planes is too high, we’ll use lorries or pick-ups. Farmers must be paid fairly,” Kagwe said, adding the prices were reached after extensive consultations with stakeholders.

In a broader effort to protect the agriculture sector, Kagwe announced a forthcoming ban on harmful chemicals outlawed in other countries, with the Pest Control Products Board expected to finalize the list next week. He also called on Parliament to halt unnecessary creation of new agricultural authorities, urging legislators to prioritize farmers’ welfare instead.

Kagwe reaffirmed the government’s stand on the export ban of raw macadamia, citing the need to safeguard over 200,000 jobs and promote local processing. Highlighting recent earnings, he said Kenya made Sh8.7 billion from exporting 10,670 tons of processed macadamia, compared to Sh2.3 billion from 14,384.6 tons of raw nuts. “Lifting the ban would sabotage value addition and local industry growth,” he stated.