Kenya- Farmers and Merchants were Affected by Somalia’s Ban on Khat

Miro county – Kenya  06/09/2020

Somalia’s ban on Khat importation has had a chilling effect on Khat farmers and merchants. The ban was deemed as a preventive major to combat the spread of the Corona Virus. Residents of Miro County in Keny rely on planting Khat, which is a stimulant drug. The leaves and the roots of the long Khat shrub are chewed, which is widespread in the Horn of Africa’s countries and Yemen. Therefore, farmers and merchants are demanding assistance due to the incurred losses. They are also demanding the government to lift the embargo on the Kenyan khat, which is one of the main economic pillars in Kenya.