Five
(miraa) khat cargo planes destined for Mogadishu are stuck in Nairobi
with miraa worth Sh60 million following cancellation of flights to
Somalia.
Nyambene Miraa Traders Association spokesman
Kimathi Munjuri however said other flights carrying the stimulant
destined for Somaliland had left the country.
On
Monday, the Somali Minister of Civil Aviation - Ali Ahmed Jangali - said
the country has decided to temporarily suspend all khat (miraa) imports
to Somalia from Tuesday.
In a letter addressed to
Miraa Cargo Operators, Mr Jangali said: “While considering special
circumstances, Somali Civil Aviation and Meteorology Authority on behalf
of the Federal Republic of Somalia is hereby informing all miraa cargo
operators and anyone it may concern that miraa cargo flights and its
operation into Somalia have been cancelled until further notice.”
The minister also said that any “violation on the Somali airspace and disregard of this notice will have consequences”.
In
an interview with the Nation on Tuesday, Mr Munjuri said the losses
would have been much higher but ‘it seems some traders were aware and
did not transport it to Nairobi.”
Alternative airports
“We
are all gearing to use alternative airports in Gulmudug State-Somali
land. The flights will be directed to Bosaso and Galcaio airports,” he
said.
Mr Munjuri said the khat is still being held at
the airport while more miraa was stuck in Eastleigh and was likely to be
returned to Meru.
“Some traders are engaging the Kenya
airports management to establish what is happening. We are also
consulting Kenyan leaders to know the way forward,” Mr Munjuri said.
One plane carries about 90 bags of miraa.
Antubetwe
Kiongo MCA Mr George Kaliunga, who is also a miraa farmer said he is
likely to lose Sh100, 000 worth of Miraa if the market is not restored.
Mr Joseph Muturia, a miraa farmer, said he may lose miraa worth Sh300,000 following the cancellation of flights.
“I
was to harvest my crop this week but it seems I cannot fetch more than
Sh20,000. The closure of Mogadishu means the local market will be
saturated leading to a big drop in prices,” Mr Muturia said.
Miraa taskforce chairman Mwenda Nchooro said they are engaging the relevant authorities to reverse the decision.
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