2021-09-10

NAIROBI - MOGADISHU - The smuggling of Khat, locally known as Miraa, is being carried out openly in Kenya’s coastal town of Lamu. The smuggling has been heightened due to the fact that Miraa export to Somalia was banned in 2020 following a diplomatic row between the two states. 

This story started in Meru County, Igembe South where Miraa is grown, and then cartels and brokers buy from farmers while exploiting them without any trade regulations on prices and taxes.

The cartels and brokers take advantage of the lack of regulation in the Miraa sector to buy the crop from farmers at very low prices, leaving farmers in desperation. This investigation found out that the smugglers who transport Miraa to Somalia do not pay regulated government taxes that are supposed to earn Kenya revenue. They use very dangerous sea routes with hired captains who are paid per day for the work.

They make billions at the cost of the farmer and government through their smuggling deals. The smugglers, who are well connected Kenyan Somalis are well coordinated with buyers and traders in Somalia. They own high-powered trucks and speed boats in Lamu which are used to transport khat through a porous border called Kiunga. 
 

Photo credit: Mary Mwendwa

Team members

Mary Mwendwa

Mary Mwendwa is a freelance investigative award-winning journalist based in Nairobi, Kenya.

Mary Mwendwa
Supported
€7.000 allocated on 19/01/2021
ID
MT/2021/156

need resources for your own investigative story?

Journalismfund Europe's flexible grants programmes enable journalists to produce relevant public interest stories with a European mind-set from international, national, and regional perspectives.

Apply

support independent cross-border investigative journalism

We rely on your support to continue the work that we do. Make a gift of any amount today.

Donate