Photo: The Star

Ban of Khat is the UK not targeting Kenyan government - Envoy.

MOZAMBIQUE is the newest market for miraa as traders step up efforts to source for alternatives following the loss of their last export market in Europe, the UK.

A miraa consignment was sent to Pemba, Mozambique last week though it was less than 100 kilos compared to the thousands of tonnes that Kenya used to send to the European market.

However, Nyambene Miraa Traders Association spokesperson Kimathi Munjuri said the start is small but more will be done to boost volumes and seek for more markets to save the trade.

A major miraa retailer in Nairobi has recently diversified to the business of exporting smart phones from Asia over the bleak outlook of the miraa business.

The trader, who requested for anonymity so as not to cause confusion among his ardent miraa customers in Nairobi said he will continue with supplies to the local market although adding that export market had been a major contributor to revenues.

"I just want to have an alternative trade in case we do not manage to secure big markets soon," he told the Star. "But we have started supplying to Mozambique," he confirmed.

Pemba is a port city whose residents are mostly upper middle class Mozambicans and South Africans. It is also one of the prime tourist destinations in Mozambique.

Marketing and export coordination agency Sakijo International is spearheading the scouting for new miraa markets as the industry awaits notification on when the UK ban takes effect.

"There are good prospects for China but government of Kenya must intervene," said Munjuri.

At the moment, traders are cautiously still exporting to the UK.

"Yes, we are still exporting though in very small quantities due to the Ramadhan but moreso because of the uncertainty that has engulfed the industry," said Munjuri.

"Our members lost huge amounts of money in unpaid for supplies when Netherlands effected their ban all over sudden in January. Everyone is scared this could happen again."

The industry is also facing trouble in the local market with the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse calling for its control arguing it causes health problems.

Few quantities of the commodity are being sent to Malawi, Botswana and Australia, sources told the Star.