Meru Senator Pushes for Miraa Crop Support and De-Classification from Drug Status
Legislative Initiatives Seek to Secure Future of Miraa Farming Communities
Meru Senator Kathuri Murungi took a stand before the Senate Committee on National Security, Defence, and Foreign Relations chaired by Garissa Senator Abdul Haj on Tuesday.
The purpose of the meeting was to shed light on the proposed Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (Amendment) Bill, 2024, which aims to amend the current legislation regarding the classification of miraa (khat).
Senator Murungi, who sponsors the bill, passionately conveyed the critical role miraa plays in supporting the economy of the entire Meru region.
He emphasised that the proposed amendment seeks to remove cathinone and cathine, naturally occurring substances in miraa, from the list of psychotropic substances under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (Control) Act. The move would effectively eliminate miraa from NACADA’s drug classification.
Explaining the rationale behind the amendment, Senator Murungi pointed out that miraa is officially recognized as a crop under the Second Schedule of the Crops Act, 2013. Furthermore, it serves as a vital source of livelihood for numerous Kenyans.
The current classification of cathine and cathinone substances found in miraa contradicts the government’s stance and continues to adversely impact the miraa market.
During the session, legislators carefully considered input from various stakeholders, including NACADA, the Evangelical Alliance of Kenya, the Kenya Psychiatric Association, the Inter-Religious Council of Kenya, the Kenya Association of Muslim Medical Professionals, the National Council of Churches of Kenya, and the Supreme Council of Kenya Muslims.
Additionally, the Movement Against Substance Abuse in Africa presented their perspectives on the proposed bill.
The discourse underscored the importance of balancing regulatory measures with the socioeconomic significance of miraa cultivation and trade.
The Senate Committee said the deliberations reflect their commitment to fostering informed decision-making and upholding the interests of diverse communities across Kenya.
Khat, also known as gat, is a flowering plant indigenous to eastern and southeastern Africa. Cultivated by farmers, its leaves are sold in markets. Kenya and Ethiopia are the world’s leading exporters of khat.