Miraa traders on Monday resumed transporting the herb to Somalia through Mogadishu International airport, after a four-day boycott over a tax dispute with Somali authorities.
Nyambene Miraa Traders Association (Nyamita) spokesman Kimathi Munjuri said importers had resumed the trade reluctantly as no talks had been held with government.
“Some airlines broke the resolve of the boycott and started flying to Mogadishu. Other transporters could not risk losing their customers leading to resumption of business,” Mr Munjuri said on Tuesday.
The impasse was a result of Mogadishu authorities demanding Sh103 ($3) tax per kilo of Khat despite agreeing on Sh231.75 a kilo last month. The charges apply in the Aden Adde International Airport, Mogadishu.
Late February this year, Khat traders boycotted exporting miraa to Mogadishu, Somalia after the Somali government increased the tax from Sh309 to Sh360.5 per kilo.
Trade resumed four days later after importers and government officials in Somalia and traders agreed on a tax of Sh247 (2.40USD) per kilo.
“All cargo flights had been diverted to Jowhaar airstrip about 97 kilometres away from Mogadishu. This is because the authorities in this region charge Sh154.5 per kilogramme of miraa. However, the khat may not reach the main markets of Mogadishu by road due to the standoff,” Mr Munjuri said.