Nairobi, 29 July 2007 - Miraa traders in Meru have welcomed the lifting of the ban on direct flights from Kenya to Somalia, which is set to take effect in two days. The traders say they lost millions of shillings during the ban. The government imposed the ban in November last year following a security advisory from the U.S. Embassy in Nairobi. 

It's back to business for Miraa traders in Meru following the resumption of flights from Nairobi to Mogadishu, one of their most prized markets. Besides the direct miraa traders, secondary beneficiaries such transporters of Miraa and those who supply banana fibers used to wrap the stimulant are also celebrating.

The traders are now asking the government to set up necessary infrastructure such as constructing an airstrip in Maua to boost the trade. Miraa business took a nosedive in November last year when the government banned flights to Mogadishu fearing terror attacks. The Kenya Civil Aviation Authority director Chris Kuto however says new security measures will be put in place following the lifting of the ban.

This include requirement for flights from Mogadishu to land in Wajir airstrip for security check before heading to Nairobi.