Miraa (Khat) is a popular stimulant that is mainly grown in the Mt Kenya region. About 80% of locally produced miraa is consumed locally, while 20% is exported, mainly to Somalia. Different grades of miraa are grown locally, with consumers having their preferences based on various factors, primarily taste and price.
However, miraa’s grades have never been properly documented. We have now documented the various grades of the crop with their unique characteristics, including the number of leaves, length, nodes, color, among other characteristics. This will help farmers to produce, sort and grade their miraa to meet the specific needs of different markets.
MARSABIT REGION
- Grade 1
This grade of miraa is locally referred to as kachu, maini, gobo or halwa. It mainly consists of two leaves and a bud. Grade 1 miraa is short, tender and succulent, making it a favorite among consumers. It has one node and has a length of between 5cm and 7cm and is usually consumed whole.
Grade 1Â Miraa is primarily sold to the high-end market. It is mainly sold in Moyale, Dukana, Wajir, Samburu and Isiolo.
- Â Grade 2
Grade 2 miraa has four leaves and contains no buds. It is longer than Grade 1, with its length ranging between 7cm and 10cm. This grade of miraa has two nodes and is slightly succulent and harder than Grade 1. The two upper leaves and the bark are consumed, while the two lower leaves are not consumed as they act as a protector.
Grade 2Â miraa is mostly sold locally, mainly in Moyale, Dukana, Wajir, Samburu and Isiolo where it has a high demand.Â
- Grade 3
This grade of miraa contains six leaves with bud. It is longer than both Grade 1 and Grade 2 grades, with its length averaging between 12cm and 15cm. Grade 3 miraa has fibrous twigs and contains three nodes. Despite its larger quantity of leaves, only two leaves and the bark are chewed. The extra leaves are for protection against spoilage.
This grade of miraa is distributed locally to markets such as Totore, Dukana, Forole, and Illeret. It is also sold at Border Town – Ethiopia at Korr, Ngurunit, Kargi, Samburu
- Â Chaffee
The Chaffee grade is characterized by its maroon-coloured twigs with short internodes and a length of 30cm. It has fibrous twigs, and its leaves are shiny and leathery. This grade is known for its long shelf-life.
Chaffee’s distribution is limited and is sold mainly in Marsabit and its environs.
MERU REGION
- Kangeta
The kangeta grade has a long stem with a length ranging between 20cm and 25cm. Its twigs have young, tender leaves that have succulent branches. Sorting and grading of kangeta involve defoliation of the lower leaves and leaving the top soft leaves.
This grade of miraa is preferred by local markets especially Meru and Nairobi where it attracts high demand.
- Kisa Grade 1
The Kisa Grade 1 is shorter than kangeta and has an average length of between 15cm and 20cm. One similarity they share is that its twigs have young tender leaves with succulent branches. However, it is highly perishable. This means that it has to get to the market very quickly once it has been harvested. Further, the sorting and grading of this grade involves defoliating the lower leaves, leaving the top soft leaves.
Kisa Grade 1 miraa is commonly sold in premium local markets, like Nairobi, Garissa, Mombasa and Lamu. It is also exported to some of the neighboring regions.
- Kisa Grade 2 (Nyeusi)
Kisa Grade 2, also known as nyeusi, is slightly shorter when compared to Kisa Grade 1. Its length averages between 15cm and 20cm. It however has a greener stem and more leaves. This grade has twigs with overgrown shoots and a fibrous bark.
Kisa Grade 2 is commonly sold in Meru, Nairobi, Mombasa and Garissa. It is also widely sold in Eldoret, Kisumu and Busia.
- Kata
Kata is a low-grade grade of miraa and grows to the same size as kangeta. It is sometimes derived during pruning practice.
Kata is often sold at lower prices compared to other grades, mainly in Isiolo, Nanyuki and Samburu.
- Alele
The alele grade’s stem grows to a length of between 20cm and 23cm. It is leafier compared to other miraa grades and its twigs have young, tender leaves with succulent branches. Alele’s leaves and twigs are predominantly green. Further, its excess leaves could be plucked to get other miraa grades from it.
This grade is sold mainly in Nairobi, Mombasa, Nakuru, Mandera, Wajir, Marsabit, and many parts of Northeastern. It is also exported to Somalia and Israel.
EMBU REGION
All grades from Embu are commonly referred to as ‘Muguka’
- Mchele
This grade mainly has two tender leaves and one node. Its color ranges from green to deep red and has a length of between 3cm and 5cm. Mchele is the highest grade of muguka and is usually consumed whole. It is highly perishable and can be distinguished by its high potency.
The mchele grade, like other grades of muguka, is highly perishable. Due to this, its main markets are Nairobi, Machakos, Garissa and their environs which can be easily accessed.
- ÂMedium
The medium grade has four leaves and its color ranges from green to light red. It is succulent, has two nodes and grows to a length ranging between 5m and 7cm. This grade is sold to local markets within the country.
- Â Digital
This grade has six leaves with bud and grows to a length averaging 12cm and 15cm. It has three nodes and its twigs are fibrous. Despite having six leaves, only two leaves and the bark are consumed. It has longer stems, and its appearance is similar to a young twig of miraa from Meru.
Digital is mainly sold in local markets. Further, it is also exported in small quantities to Israel. It is used for processing of miraa juice. It has a longer shelf life, which makes it suitable for transportation to longer distances.
- CR
The CR grade has mostly green and fibrous leaves. It has one or two nodes and grows to a length of between 3cm and 5cm. It also has a longer shelf life. It has a longer shelf life.
This grade is mainly sold to the lower-end markets and those that are far away from the growth zones markets such as Mombasa, Mandera, Wajir, Kisumu, Nairobi and Machakos. It is often used to make dried miraa.