This archive report was first published on 21 September 2019.
Located in Tunyai, Tharaka Nithi County, Meru Herbs is a community project that has been growing and processing organic products for the export market since 1991.
The project, which was initiated by the Catholic Diocese of Meru in collaboration with the Italian government, started as a domestic water project dubbed Ng'uru Gakirwe Water Project (NGWP) in 1990.
With sufficient water, farmers in the area began growing food under irrigation, and an Italian expatriate encouraged some farmers to start growing Carcade (Hibiscus sabdariffa) to earn some income.
Today, Meru Herbs grows and processes various organic products, including Carcade/Roselle or Hibiscus tea, herbs such as lemon grass, ginger, and chamomile, and jams made from mango, papaya, lemon, guava, papaya, and pineapple.
The products are exported through Fair Trade channels to countries like Japan, Italy, France, Austria, Germany, Scotland, and Canada.
Meru Herbs has international certification from Ecocert, an organization based in France, and is currently seeking other certifications to grow its business internationally.
According to Andrew Botta, the projector coordinator at Meru Herbs, the secret to selling abroad is to produce quality goods.
"Most local consumers perceive organic products as high-end and expensive, but we are working to sell more of our produce locally," says Sally Sawaya, the Managing Director of Meru Herbs.
