Karen Nyamu panders to miraa chewers
Nominated Senator Karen Nyamu has openly admitted that she occasionally consumes miraa, describing it as one of life’s “small pleasures,” during a Senate debate on proposed changes to drug laws.
Personal use, not abuse
Speaking while contributing to discussions on amendments to the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, Nyamu said she uses miraa sparingly—about once a month—and does not consider her consumption excessive.
“I consume miraa personally. I don’t abuse miraa. I do it maybe once in a month and it is one of those small pleasures of life,” she told the House.
The debate stems from a bill sponsored by Senator Murungi seeking to remove cathinone and cathine—the active compounds in miraa—from the list of banned substances. Nyamu argued that the current classification creates contradictions that hinder the industry.
She further maintained that occasional use should not be equated with abuse, citing global research she said points to a low risk of dependency when consumed moderately.
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Economic importance of miraa
Beyond her personal remarks, Nyamu emphasized the crop’s economic value, particularly in regions such as Meru and Nyambene, where thousands of households depend on it.
She noted that:
- Over 500,000 families rely on miraa directly and indirectly
- The trade supports education and basic livelihoods
- It contributes significantly to Kenya’s GDP and tax revenue
Call for policy reform
According to the Senator, the current narcotics classification limits investment and innovation within the sector. She pointed out that entrepreneurs are unable to legally process or add value to miraa products—such as “Jaba juice”—due to licensing restrictions tied to its legal status.
Nyamu argued that revisiting the law could unlock new opportunities in the “jaba economy,” allowing the crop to be commercialised more effectively while still addressing concerns around misuse.
