Miraa production raises concern in Kenya

''Miraa chewing and cigarette smoking is prohibited in the hospital compound,'' a sign post at Maua Methodist Church Hospital warns visitors coming to the health facility.

Khat or Miraa as commonly called, is a mild stimulant herb grown in several places in the World, Somalia, Ethiopia, Yemen, South Africa and Kenya.

Miraa is legally grown in Kenya and it grows in three regions, Kerio Valley in the Rift Valley Province, Embu and Nyambene hills.

The best quality Miraa comes from Nyambene hills and is highly perishable and consumption of the product must take place at least 96 hours or 4 days after it is picked from the tree.

Maua Town is the hum of Miraa where residents regardless of age and sex seem to chew, drink and sleep Miraa, the community's only main source of livelihood.

The hospital warning sends signals of the resultant effects of the Miraa, also known as "ghat."

The medical facility administration in addition to the warning has issued with the produce as it is the main cause of many medical cases refereed to the hospital.

Injuries inflicted by knives or matchets arising from fights over Miraa theft, business rivalry and ownership of Miraa land zones is a common phenomenon in the health facility.

Men clad in crude weapons also result to power of charms as an intervention measure to safeguard the trade in what is perceived as the largest Miraa trading zone in Africa.


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