Kenyan khat farmers seek gov’t help to boom again after COVID-19

Shoots of khat prized by consumers, who chew the stems in order to gain an energising buzz and mild euphoric high from the narcotic plant, in Meru, Kenya [Paul Stremple/Al Jazeera]

Maua, Kenya – Even as drought continues in parts of Kenya, rain has started falling in the hills outside Maua town, in the highland region of Meru, famed for the quality khat grown there.

Farmers like Eric Mwiti have been waiting for a change in weather – and in market conditions.