Miraa traders in Kibera have a reason to smile as their business is booming in the slums with more customers turning out to buy miraa.
This comes days after President Kenyatta signed into law a bill that classifies miraa as a cash crop and announced financial support to the tune of sh1 billion to stem high poverty levels caused by the business loss since an export ban on the stimulant two years ago.
The traders now plan to increase their stock as more customers turn out to buy the commodity.
Speaking at DC market area, Florence Kimani said that she has been receiving more customers in the last 5 days since the miraa business is now fully legalised by the government.
“Since the president signed a bill that legalised miraa as a cash crop more customers have turned out to buy. This has boosted my business. Previously, I sold miraa at sh300 - 500 but in last 5 days have sold miraa worth sh6, 000 and I am running out of stock. I am planning to increase the stock purchase of miraa from my supplier since I now receive more customers than before," she said.
Another resident, James Kamau stated that many youths who have feared arrest from police will now take advantage and consume more miraa than before.
"I have more friends’ young youths who at times there before were fearing arrest by police. I hope now they will turn out to buy miraa. I am happy with the legalisation of miraa since I have been selling miraa for a long time but in fear," said Kamau.
He also noted that the harassment from police and other county askaris will end since the miraa business is now legal.