The government through the Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA) has gone after the Miraa Transporters in the new directive that requires them to obtain a licence within one month.
The authority released a statement on December 5th directing all the miraa transporters to register with the body, get cleared and obtain licences for them to operate.
“To fully comply with the provisions on miraa transportation, the Authority hereby notifies all commercial miraa transporters across the country to register and obtain Miraa commercial transporters licenses from the Agriculture and Food Authority- Miraa, Pyrethrum and Other Crops Directorate by December 31, 2023.”
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This move is aimed to ensure compliance of the miraa regulations of April that touch on transporters, Miraa farmers and distributors in a bid to ensure safety for all parties involved in the trade.
“The implementation of the regulations began immediately after the publication of the regulations in April, 2023. The Authority appreciates the full compliance witnessed across the value chain including the miraa exporters and importers.”
Therefore, the Agriculture and Food Authority expects miraa transporters to comply with the new directive by December. Failure to which, you will attract penalties.
According to the regulations, individuals who fail to obtain licenses commit an offence liable to imprisonment for a term not exceeding three years or to a fine not exceeding Ksh5 million shillings or both.
Moving forward, any person who intends to be a miraa transporter will be required to apply for a certificate from the authority (Mr11).
“The Authority shall issue a certificate of registration to a successful Miraa Commercial Transporter in Form Mr12 as set out in the First Schedule.”
The new directive gives the current drivers less than a month to apply for the certificate and be registered with the body to avoid penalties starting January.