Agriculture and Livestock Development Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe has issued a stern warning to miraa traders and exporters who fail to adhere to the ministry’s minimum price directive.

Speaking during a Farmers’ Day event in Meru, Kagwe said all non-compliant traders will have their licenses revoked within two weeks and will be required to reapply—this time declaring the prices they intend to pay farmers.

He dismissed high air transport costs as a valid reason for underpricing miraa and hinted at plans to engage relevant ministries to reopen the Somalia border for road transportation of the commodity, which was previously closed due to security concerns.

Kagwe also announced that starting next week, the government will ban all agricultural chemicals that have already been prohibited in their countries of origin. The Pest Control Products Board is finalizing the list.

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The CS further called on Parliament to stop introducing or passing bills that create more boards or authorities in the agricultural sector. Instead, he urged lawmakers to prioritize policies that benefit farmers directly.

On macadamia, Kagwe directed the Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA) to issue a circular guiding farmers on recommended seedlings.

He maintained that the ban on raw macadamia exports will remain in place to protect Kenya’s economic interests.