Miraa Trade From Kenya To Somalia Resumes After Talks

NAIROBI, Kenya, Jul 16- Miraa farmers in Kenya have a reason to smile after an old and traditional market resumed.

The resumption of the trade which is with immediate effect was agreed upon during talks between President Uhuru Kenyatta and his Somali counterpart Hassan Sheikh Mohamud.

In return, Kenya agreed to start buying fish from Somalia, according to a communique released by the State House on Friday evening.

“Further agreed, to facilitate, diversify and promote trade and economic cooperation between the two countries,” it reads.

“Directed the immediate market access of fish and fish products from Somalia to Kenya and vice versa, the resumption of trade in Khat (miraa) from Kenya to Somalia, to resume with immediate effect.”

During the bilateral talks, the two leaders agreed that, “Kenya and Somalia will collaborate with other regional and international actors to provide the much-needed humanitarian assistance to mitigate the effects of the current drought in the Horn of Africa region.“

Millions of people in both countries are facing acute starvation due to a prolonged drought and locust invasions on farms.