The Nyambene Miraa Farmers and Traders Association (NYAMITA) has postponed its planned Miraa Exhibition and Holy Mass to allow for wider participation by different faith groups and more time to expand the event into a platform for addressing challenges facing the industry.
In a notice issued on Tuesday, NYAMITA chairman Kimathi Munjuri said the exhibition would be rescheduled, with the new date to be announced after consultations with the Catholic Diocese of Meru and other stakeholders.
The postponement comes as the miraa industry seeks to strengthen its traditional markets, explore new export destinations and unlock opportunities for processing the crop into other products to improve farmers’ earnings.
Munjuri said the additional time would enable organisers to develop a more comprehensive and practical forum focused on the future of the crop and the livelihoods of those who depend on it.
The association said the decision followed consultations with Catholic Bishop Jackson Murugara, during which it was agreed that the event should accommodate people from different faiths and become a unifying occasion for the miraa community.
“This is not a cancellation, but a strategic postponement to allow us to build a bigger, more inclusive and more impactful event worthy of the miraa community and its future,” the association said in the statement.
NYAMITA said it appreciated the Bishop’s support for a more inclusive celebration and thanked priests, faithful, exhibitors, partners and other stakeholders who had contributed to preparations.
The exhibition was also expected to bring together farmers, traders, exporters, investors and other players in the value chain to explore opportunities for investment, sustainability and wealth creation.
Miraa remains a major economic lifeline in Meru and neighbouring producing counties, supporting farmers, harvesters, transporters, traders and exporters.
The Agriculture and Food Authority estimates that the sector generates about Sh13 billion annually, with Somalia among Kenya’s principal export destinations.
However, the industry has faced persistent market access challenges, competition from Ethiopian miraa and calls for legal reforms to facilitate value addition and entry into more international markets.
In August, Munjuri said removing miraa from the list of substances regulated under the Narcotic and Psychotropic Substances Act was a priority for the industry, arguing that the legal framework constrained opportunities to develop processed products and expand markets.
Farmers have also called for stronger marketing structures and greater bargaining power, with fluctuating prices and dependence on intermediaries affecting the returns they receive from their produce.
The challenges extend beyond the farm. Exporters have had to contend with restrictions in some traditional overseas markets, while improving handling, packaging and compliance with quality standards remains important for the crop’s competitiveness.
In August 2025, Nairobi City County, the Agriculture and Food Authority and Kenya Airports Authority held discussions with exporters on improving miraa handling at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, including the need to have consignments properly packaged before arriving for carriage.
The postponement therefore provides an opportunity for the organisers and industry players to broaden discussions beyond the ceremonial aspects of the event and develop proposals that could help farmers and traders secure better returns.
The association urged those who had committed to the event to remain engaged as consultations continue and a new date is agreed upon.
