It is relief to miraa farmers after the government decided to reopen the border of Somalia that was closed for security related reasons.
The government, through the Ministry of Interior, has announced the reopening of the Kenya-Somalia border to facilitate the export of miraa from the country.
This follows a request made by the Chairman of the Nyambene Miraa Trade Association, who had written to the Ministry for the reopening of the delicate border for miraa farmers and traders.
In response, Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo stated that the National Security Council Committee had ratified the reopening of the Kenya-Somalia border for cross-border trade.
According to the letter, the reopening specifically allows the transportation of miraa to Somalia through designated border points, including Mandera, Liboi and Kiunga.
“This is in reference to your letter dated January 13, 2026, requesting confirmation on whether the Kenya-Somalia border is reopened, and a similar request made on behalf of Miraa traders,” read part of the letter.
“The National Security Council Committee ratified the reopening of our border with Somalia for cross-border trade at the specified border points of Mandera, Liboi and Kiunga specifically for the transportation of Miraa by road to Somalia,” it added.
The announcement follows a recent diplomatic engagement between Meru Governor Isaac Mutuma and the Ambassador of Somalia to Kenya on the same matter.
On January 13, 2026, Somalia’s Ambassador hosted Governor Mutuma and his delegation for talks aimed at strengthening Kenya-Somalia economic ties, with a strong focus on trade, agriculture and cross-border cooperation.
In a statement moment after the meeting, the Embassy said the discussions were constructive and centred on enhancing bilateral trade relations while supporting local communities on both sides of the border.
Following the reopening of the border, Governor Mutuma termed the move a major boost for farmers and traders in Meru County and other miraa-growing regions.
“Under my leadership, the reopening of the Kenya-Somalia border for miraa trade is a big win for our farmers and traders, bringing back this key market and boosting livelihoods across Meru,” he said.
The latest development comes as a major relief for miraa traders who had suffered heavy losses, reduced farm prices and job cuts due to the border closure.
Last year while on a tour of Mt. Kenya region, Ruto has issued a stern warning to miraa cartels in producing counties, declaring that their days are numbered as he vowed to ensure farmers reap maximum benefits from the crop.
Ruto said the same way he has dismantled the cartels in the coffee industry and ensured farmers now earn higher prices from the crop, he will also deal ruthlessly with those in the miraa subsector.
“We have made a declaration here in Maua. All cartels ruining the miraa business should leave this country because we want this trade to thrive like other agricultural sectors,” he said.
Ruto outlined several government interventions aimed at boosting miraa farmers’ earnings.
These include officially classifying miraa as a cash crop, setting new gazetted prices, and expanding export markets.
He noted that he has also held discussions with the presidents of Somaliland and Jubaland to secure foreign markets for miraa.
