This archive report was first published on 10 July 2020.
Meru County's miraa farmers and traders are seeking a substantial share of the Sh180 million loan fund released by the Ministry of Agriculture on July 10, 2020.
The Nyambene Miraa Traders Association has written to Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Peter Munya, requesting that the ministry publish the criteria for disbursing the funds.
The association is staking a claim on Sh164 million of the fund, citing the need for transparency and a clear framework in the loaning process.
Association chair Kimathi Munjuri emphasized the importance of open and transparent distribution of the funds, stating, "We have confirmed the miraa revolving fund money has been disbursed. We want to ensure that it is disbursed openly and within a clear framework."
Gregory Mwiti, a miraa farmer from Kangeta, expressed the hopes of the miraa farming community, saying, "Sh180m is a drop in the ocean because miraa farmers and traders are many. But it is a good start and it gives us hope."
Meru's miraa farmers are facing significant challenges, including the ban on miraa exports to major international markets and travel restrictions imposed to combat Covid-19.
