Senators seek clarity on Somalia's suspension of miraa flights from Kenyan 

Some Senators are demanding urgent clarification on the ongoing diplomatic tensions between Kenya and Somalia, which have led to the suspension of flights carrying miraa to Somalia, a move that has severely affected local businesses and farmers.

The latest disruption as reported by The Star,  follows Somalia's decision to suspend flights transporting the popular stimulant from Kenya, leaving the miraa market in turmoil.

The move has sparked concern among lawmakers, who are calling for an immediate investigation into the causes and implications of the recurring diplomatic issues between the two nations.

Senate Deputy Speaker, Kathure Murungi, who is the Meru senator, one of the regions most affected by the miraa trade has raised alarms over the impact the suspension is having on the local economy.

Murungi urged the government to provide a comprehensive report detailing the reasons behind the constant diplomatic standoffs between the two countries and their impact on Kenya's key agricultural exports.

"The Federal Government of Somalia's decision to suspend flights delivering miraa to the Horn of Africa country has had a severe impact on the market for this key export crop," said Murungi, stressing that the suspension has harmed farmers who rely on the Somali market, the largest consumer of Kenyan miraa.

Senator Murungi pointed out that in addition to the suspension, low prices and the influence of cartels in the miraa industry have further compounded the crisis for farmers.

"The report should also include the steps being taken to resolve these tensions in the long term to ensure that Kenyan farmers are not disproportionately affected by these diplomatic disputes," he added.

The senator emphasised the need for sustainable solutions to address the recurring tensions, highlighting the importance of ensuring that Kenya's miraa farmers continue to have access to Somalia's market.

This latest suspension is part of a broader pattern of tensions between the two countries.

In 2021, Kenya suspended flights to and from Somalia over security concerns, while in 2016, Somalia banned Kenyan miraa flights after reports of potential Al-Shabaab threats at its busiest airport.

The senators are calling for urgent action to address the negative impact these disruptions are having on the miraa value chain, with some pushing for an evaluation of the cartels controlling the sector.

 They are seeking clarification on whether the government is taking any steps to dismantle these cartels, which they say are depriving farmers of fair prices.

Elgeyo Marakwet Senator William Kisang has called for swift government intervention to negotiate with Somalia and restore the flights, warning that reliance on a single market could place Kenyan farmers in a precarious position.

New trade routes

"It is important that we tell the people of Meru to look for alternative markets so that they do not rely only on one part of the segment of the market," said Kisang.

The lawmakers also suggested that Kenya consider exploring new trade routes and markets for miraa, beyond its reliance on Somalia.

Murungi called on the government to provide an update on efforts to diversify export markets, which he said is essential to the long-term sustainability of the miraa sector.

"This is a critical matter, not just for the miraa sector, but for bilateral relations between our two countries," he concluded.