Khat, also known as miraa, is a plant native to the Horn of Africa and the Arabian Peninsula. Its leaves and stem contain alkaloids that cause an amphetamine-like effect when chewed. The consumption of khat is a cultural tradition in countries like Ethiopia, Somalia, and Yemen. However, in recent decades, it has become a global business, and Kenya is one of the main exporters of khat to Europe, the Middle East, and North America.
The khat business in Kenya is dominated by women, who are the primary sellers and traders of the plant. In Maua town, for instance, many women like Rose Mugambi Karanja have built successful businesses around khat. Karanja started her khat business over 20 years ago, and since then, she has been able to support her family and educate her children through its profits.
Khat's popularity as a recreational drug and a stimulant is the main driver of its export demand. People from the Somali diaspora, for instance, are one of the most significant consumers of khat in Europe, where it is legal in many countries. According to a report by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, khat is among the top illicit drugs seized at European borders, with the Netherlands and the United Kingdom being the primary destinations.
Besides its recreational use, khat is also used for medicinal purposes, particularly in East Africa. It is believed to have pain-relieving, appetite-suppressing, and anti-inflammatory effects, among others. However, its medical benefits are still under-researched and not widely recognized.
The khat business in Kenya is not without controversy. The Kenyan government banned the export of fresh khat to Europe in 2013, citing health and social concerns. However, many argue that the ban hurt the livelihoods of thousands of khat farmers and traders, especially women who rely on the trade for income. Moreover, the ban did not apply to processed khat products, such as dried leaves and tablets, which are still exported legally.
For the khat business to thrive sustainably, the Kenyan government needs to strike a balance between regulating its production, exportation, and consumption while acknowledging its economic importance. Moreover, there is a need for more research into khat's health and social effects, which could inform policies and interventions that reduce its harms while preserving its benefits.
In conclusion, khat is a global business that has its roots in East Africa. Despite the controversies surrounding it, the khat trade provides a livelihood for many women in Kenya and other countries. With proper regulation and research, the khat industry could be a source of economic growth and social well-being for the region.
Keywords: khat, East Africa, export, Kenya, women, Maua town, stimulant, alkaloids, recreational drug, medicinal purposes, ban, sustainability, regulation, research, economic growth, social well-being, GL sheet, African market.