- Kenya’s miraa exports to Somalia fell by 16.9% in the first half of 2025, dropping from 2.1 million kilograms to 1.7 million kilograms.
- The decline is partly attributed to increased competition from Ethiopian producers, who now have limited access to Somalia’s miraa market.
- The introduction of new regulatory measures in Somalia, along with a 10-day per month exclusive access granted to Ethiopia, has further complicated trade for Kenyan exporters.
Kenya’s miraa industry has been hit with a significant decline in exports to Somalia, with the first half of 2025 seeing a 16.9% drop in trade. Exports fell from approximately 2.1 million kilograms to 1.7 million kilograms, reflecting heightened competition in the regional market, particularly from Ethiopian producers.
One of the key factors contributing to the slump is Somalia’s decision to grant Ethiopia exclusive access to its miraa market for 10 days each month. Kenyan exporters claim this has placed them at a disadvantage, as they face increasing competition for a market that has traditionally been their primary destination.
Miraa remains an essential cash crop for thousands of smallholder farmers in regions such as Meru, Embu, Tharaka Nithi, Kirinyaga, and Marsabit. With nearly all of Kenya’s annual miraa production (about 32,000 tonnes) being exported to Somalia, the industry has been a critical income source for local communities.
However, the latest data from the Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA) reveals that Kenya’s miraa exports to Somalia dropped by 29% in value during the second quarter of 2025 (April-June) compared to the same period in 2024. This highlights the growing challenges the sector faces in maintaining its market share in Somalia amid new competition and regulatory changes.
In response to the slump, some Kenyan traders are seeking new markets for miraa exports. Bilateral discussions with Djibouti have been initiated as traders explore potential new routes for exporting the crop. This diversification strategy is seen as a necessary step to reduce Kenya’s heavy reliance on the Somali market, which has made the trade vulnerable to external factors such as regional competition and unpredictable regulatory changes.
Industry stakeholders have raised concerns about the long-term sustainability of Kenya’s miraa trade, warning that the overreliance on Somalia as the primary export destination leaves the sector exposed to market volatility. Diversifying export destinations is being emphasised as a critical strategy to ensure the stability and profitability of the miraa industry, which supports both farmers and traders across Kenya.
As the situation evolves, stakeholders in the miraa industry will be looking for solutions to navigate the challenges posed by regional competition, regulatory hurdles, and the need for market diversification.
