During the holy month of Ramadhan, Kenya’s Miraa industry faces a unique confluence of challenges exacerbated by the observance of fasting among Muslim communities, who constitute a significant portion of Miraa consumers. Isiolo Town, known for its vibrant Miraa business and situated adjacent to Meru County’s Miraa farming region, is among the most affected counties during this period.
Khat is consumed for its social and stimulating qualities due to the presence of the alkaloid cathinone, which typically fosters feelings of sociability and mild euphoria among chewers. However, the fasting period of Ramadhan alters consumption habits, as devout Muslims refrain from food and drink during daylight hours, resulting in a noticeable decline in Miraa demand.
Voices from within the Miraa industry, including one vendor who aired concerns on Twitter, highlight the adverse effects of Ramadhan and the low season on the Miraa value chain. With fewer customers visiting Miraa outlets and consumption limited to non-fasting hours, vendors lament a significant decrease in sales and overall activity within the industry.
Only day two and low season combining with Ramadan month are delivering no comeback devastating hits on the value chain. Yesterday CTA was 4:26pm with todays ETA set for around the same time. Only a handful of yawny diehards are showing up in the evening! Terrible ☹️ pic.twitter.com/EHxxn606tk
— Obaithibutu Miraa & Digital (@obaithibutu) March 12, 2024
Isiolo Town, being a crucial hub for the Miraa trade, experiences the impact of Ramadhan on the industry firsthand. The close proximity to Meru County facilitates the flow of Miraa from the farming regions to Isiolo Town, where it is distributed and consumed extensively. During Ramadhan, the decline in Miraa demand directly affects the local economy and livelihoods dependent on the Miraa trade, posing economic challenges for traders, vendors, and growers alike.
