Governor Kiraitu Murungi has convened a National Miraa Scientific Conference that brought together Government Agencies, KEMRI scientists, acedemicians, political players, Researchers, Private sectors, farmers and traders, attended by Cabinet secretaries Interior and Coordination-Fred Matiangi, Peter Munya-Agriculture and Betty Maina-Industrialization a conference that called for an end to stigma associated with Miraa and encouraging value addition of the crop.

The crop has contributed to the economy by bringing over 250 million dollars annually to the Kenyan economy, with a potential of over 400 million dollars if the sector is streamlined according to Government statistics.

According to Governor Kiraitu, the main aim of the conference is to clear chronic legal, policy and administrative confusion that has intensified negative propaganda affecting the crop.

Dr. Fred Matiangi who was the Chief guest, said the National Government will form an interministrial committee comprising the Agriculture ministry , Trade and various government agencies to create the necessary synergy to ensure the sale of the crop. The Government is also using diplomatic channels in opening the market for Miraa in markets like Djibouti, Somaliland, Mozambique, Congo, Israel and other countries to ensure a ready market.

"We will form institutional alignment through an intergovernmental committee , that will ensure a co-ordinated effort in the government and create the necessary synergy to ensure a consistent policy implementation" said Dr. Matiangi

Agriculture Cabinet Secretary, Peter Munya called against Cultural backwardness and a colonial mentality that has been created that any product coming from Africa is dangerous, whereas more scientifically proven harmful products like tobacco that have originally from European companies have not been banned.

County Government of Meru has encouraged value addition endeavors where products such as Miraa Wine, juice, sweets, Big-G as well as various extracts, that has led to the growth of the sector to ensure enhanced benefit to the farmers and the Kenyan economy.

According to various scientific researchers from KEMRI, International Primate Research (IPR), JKUAT and University of Nairobi made presentations highlighting various medical extracts that have been useful in making drugs, dyes and useful products as well as it's effect on human health.

KEMRI Director General, Prof Sam Kariuki lauded the partnership with Meru County Government to research on Chemical composition, human health and the Nutritional benefits of Miraa and it's impact on social welfare of the people.