Unveiling the Secrets of Lightning-Fast Miraa Transportation on the Meru-Nairobi Highway

In Ndagani town, an unusual sight to many has become a common occurrence. At specific times of the day and night, high-speed vehicles can be seen racing along the Meru-Nairobi highway. These vehicles are on a mission to transport what locals call the "green gold," also known as Miraa or Khat, a perishable stimulant crop that is in high demand.

What makes this spectacle even more astounding is the fact that these vehicles complete a journey that typically takes 4-5 hours for public service vehicles (PSVs) in just 2 hours.

Miraa, being a highly perishable good, requires careful handling and aeration. It is meticulously packed in a way that leaves spaces in between to ensure proper ventilation and preservation of its quality.

The journey of Miraa begins with its delivery from farmers, who use motorbikes, probox cars, and Toyota Hilux vehicles. After the initial delivery, the Miraa is carefully loaded into specialized pickup trucks, which have undergone significant suspension modifications to accommodate the precious cargo.

While the engine remains unaltered, brakes and wheels are modified to balance the vehicle, and front tires are significantly adjusted to improve steering.

These modifications, while necessary, come at a high cost to the vehicle owners. The front tires' modifications alone cost around 25,000 Kenyan Shillings, while the rear tires' adjustments range from 35,000 to 40,000 Kenyan Shillings. In addition to these modifications, brakes and the gearbox are further fine-tuned for efficient operation. Despite these measures, fatal accidents have occurred, leading to tragic loss of life.

The dangers associated with high-speed Miraa transport became painfully evident when, on June 9, 2010, two students were involved in a severe accident in Thiba village in Kirinyaga. Then, on March 14, 2015, a Miraa-laden pickup collided with a lorry, resulting in the loss of five lives. Since then, multiple accidents along the Meru-Nairobi highway involving Miraa transport vehicles have been reported.

Mohammed Warsami, a seasoned driver with 11 years of experience, in a TV interview provided insight into the rigorous vetting process that Miraa drivers undergo. These drivers are expected to be passionate about their profession and committed to delivering the cargo to its destination on time, as any delay results in financial losses for both farmers and drivers.

Drivers must have completed standard driving lessons and possess an up-to-date driving license before they can train as co-drivers to acquire the necessary skills for Miraa transport. Despite the extensive training, accidents can be catastrophic, as witnessed in the recent incident at Nithi bridge, where one driver, G. Kim Kamau, lost his life.

However, the future of Miraa transport is uncertain as a proposed legislation before the Senate seeks to ban the use of proboxes, motorcycles, and pickup trucks for this purpose. The Crops (Miraa) Regulations 2023, developed by the Ministry of Agriculture, aims to introduce strict controls on the packaging, transport, harvesting, and post-harvest handling of Miraa.

The government is also exploring new markets for the crop and is proposing the use of specially designed vessels to maintain optimal temperatures and hygiene during transportation to prevent damage, contamination, and spoilage.

In response to the concerns of Miraa farmers, Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua emphasized the government's commitment to resolving the challenges they face. He urged the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (Nacada) to reconsider its decision to categorize Miraa as a drug. Gachagua also expressed President William Ruto's commitment to secure a viable market for Miraa, similar to those for tea and coffee, and announced plans to convene a Miraa conference to address the issues affecting the sector.

Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mithika Linturi disclosed that the government has allocated 130 million Kenyan Shillings to support Miraa farmers and explore new markets for their product. These efforts signal a potential turning point for the Miraa industry, as stakeholders work together to ensure its future sustainability.

The Writer, Purity Benjamin is a First Year Applied Computer Science Student at Chuka University.