Uhuru appoints a 14 member taskforce on development of miraa industry.

Uhuru Kenyatta has appointed a 14 member taskforce on the development of Miraa Industry. 

The taskforce has three months to complete its assignment, according to a gazette notice published Friday.

Geoffrey Nchooro M’mwenda will chair the taskforce with PS Dr. Richard Leresian Lesiyampe as the alternate chairperson. 

Dave Ntawa Muthuri is the Vice Chairperson of the taskforce. 

In consultation with farmers, traders and relevant stakeholders the taskforce shall recommend strategies and interventions that will support development of the Miraa Industry. 

Specifically the taskforce will suggest ways to ensure recovery of lost markets and search for new markets for Miraa produce.

The taskforce will also identify initiatives, activities and interventions that may be supported by the resources availed by the government and any other development partners; 

Other tasks of the taskforce include research on Miraa agronomy, variety improvement, product development and value addition. 

The team will also identify opportunities for development of capacity among farmers including identification and establishment of demonstration farms. 

The gazette notice also requires the taskforce to suggest institutional and administrative structures for the Miraa value chain and additional farming enterprises for Miraa farmers. 

To ensure immediate implementation of the report the taskforce will also develop and attach a prioritized implementation matrix clearly stating the immediate, medium and long term strategies for development of Miraa. 

Mweria Joseph Miriti, Kinyua Geoffrey John, Kilemi Lucy Nkirote, Rimbere Peter Kinyua and Karumpu R. Rodgers are some of the members of the taskforce 

Others are, Henry Ntongai Ituuru, Hon. Joseph Mturia, Solomon Odera, Isabella Nkonge , Ephantus I. Njeru and George Karicha Thuranira.  

The Joint secretaries of the task force are Jasper Mbiuki and Philip Nyingi. 

The move comes after several consultations with different players in the industry including farmers, experts and leaders from Meru region.