'Miraa is Cool': The Cultural Importance of Miraa (Khat) for Tigania and Igembe Youth in Kenya

Miraa (as khat is most commonly known in Kenya) is grown intensively in the Nyambene Hills district of Kenya by the Tigania and Igembe (sub-groups of the Meru). It is of prime economic importance for the region, and Nyambene-grown miraa feeds a growing international, as well as national, market. While it is a controversial substance - condemned as a 'drug' by many - Tigania and Igembe have much pride in the substance, emphasising not just its economic role but also its place in Nyambene traditions. It is linked strongly to Tigania and Igembe ancestors, and its consumption is said to have been once restricted to the elders alone. However, miraa is now also incorporated into a 'youth ethos' where it is validated as poa ('cool') alongside many elements imported from abroad. Rather than leading to a rejection of its traditional resonance, this paper argues that for many Tigania and Igembe youth miraa's validation as poa in a wider youth ethos reinforces the respect they have for this traditional, localised significance. For them, that miraa is a successful commodity, is linked to their heritage, and is regarded as poa by many of their peers in Kenya, helps forge an identity as young, modern and Meru.