Kenyan workers involved in supplying potatoes in the Kiirua region of Kenya’s Meru County were left wondering if their livelihood would ever return after the British and Somalia ban on Miraa went into effect.
The loss of the Miraa market has had a significant impact on the potato business because the khat traders and residents of the Tigania region used to buy potatoes from Kiirua farmers in large lorries.
The case has changed and the potatoes are being bought in small debes.
The farmers, packers, transporters and wholesalers of potatoes, were shocked when Somalia, the largest market for Miraa imposed a ban without explanation. There has still been no word for the government in Mogadishu about how long the ban may last.
Kinyua, a resident of Kiirua told Baite Tv that during the pandemic, people are finding it difficult to educate their children.
Another resident said: “Since Miraa was banned from the London and Somalia markets, life has become difficult because we are unable to educate our children, put food on the table, or pay rent,” she said.
“Women have been forced to hawk pineapples and watermelons after losing their jobs on potato farms.
“Others have been forced to hawk eggs at night while their children are left with their fathers.
“Men have been unable to provide for their families, and we urge the MCA, Governor Kiraitu, President Uhuru, and DP Ruto to persuade the countries to lift the ban,” she said.
Another resident told Baite Tv that the majority of the women hawking in town at night are divorced because their ex-husbands, who worked on potato farms, have lost their jobs.
“The ban has also impacted families who own Miraa farms. Children cannot be educated or fed if Miraa and pototes are left in the fields.” he said
