UK legislators assure Kenyan miraa farmers
A man holds miraa twigs at Mweiga in Nyeri County on July 3, 2013. PHOTO | JOSEPH KANYI | FILE
What you need to know:
- The committee, led by its chairman, Rt. Hon. Keith Vaz MP, said it has been on a fact-finding tour in the country to collect evidence
- President Kenyatta welcomed the visit by the UK Home Affairs Select Committee
NANYUKI
The UK House of Commons’ Home Affairs Select Committee has assured Miraa farmers in Kenya that it will continue pressing the UK government to lift the ban on the plant.
Speaking during a meeting with President Uhuru Kenyatta in Nanyuki on Thursday, the committee said it had recently completed an inquiry and produced a report which recommended that the UK not ban miraa.
The committee, led by its chairman, Rt. Hon. Keith Vaz MP, said it has been on a fact-finding tour in the country to collect evidence that would support its push for the lifting of the ban on miraa. (READ: British MPs back sale of miraa)
The committee has already met the Meru community and other stakeholders involved in the business.
Regarding terrorism, the UK Home Affairs Select Committee acknowledged the Kenyan government’s efforts in the war against terror.
The committee said the UK will continue working with the government to ensure security and stability within the region.
President Kenyatta welcomed the visit by the UK Home Affairs Select Committee and expressed optimism that they would succeed in their mission.
Other members of the UK Home Affairs Select Committee included Mark Recklers MP, Loraine Fulbrook MP, among others.
