Kenya’s miraa (khat) industry has received a major boost following the official opening of the Djibouti market to Kenyan exports. The Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA) confirmed the development on Wednesday, July 23rd, marking a breakthrough for miraa farmers and traders who have been seeking new markets amid restrictions in traditional destinations like Somalia.

In a statement, AFA Director General Bruno Linyiru said the move is the outcome of high-level trade talks between Kenya and Djibouti. “The Agriculture and Food Authority wishes to notify the public and stakeholders of new export opportunities for Kenyan miraa to Djibouti, following successful trade engagements between the two nations,” said Linyiru.

He attributed the breakthrough to a Trade Mission to Djibouti in October 2024 and a return visit by a Djiboutian delegation in November of the same year. The engagements resulted in the formal opening of the Djibouti market, subject to exporters meeting regulatory requirements.

Linyiru noted that traders must secure import permits from Djibouti and comply with the country’s product standards. Additionally, they must meet all local requirements set by Kenyan government agencies to ensure smooth and legal export operations.

The new market access is expected to benefit miraa-growing counties like Meru, Embu, and Tharaka Nithi, where farmers have long decried limited access to international buyers.

“This is a critical opportunity. We encourage traders to explore business linkages with buyers in Djibouti and maximize the benefits,” Linyiru urged.

The announcement comes just months after Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe revised the official pricing of miraa upwards. In February 2025, the price for Grade One miraa was increased from Sh700 to Sh1,300, while Grade Two rose from Sh350 to Sh700. Alele miraa also saw its price double from Sh500 to Sh1,000.

CS Kagwe warned that buyers who refuse to comply with the official prices would be delisted from trading. “Go trade other crops like maize if you don’t want to comply,” he said in April 2025.

President William Ruto, during a tour of Meru on April 2, also announced a government crackdown on miraa cartels, saying they were exploiting farmers and denying them fair returns.

The opening of the Djibouti market is now seen as a step toward stabilizing the sector and expanding Kenya’s miraa export footprint.