Mnazi dealers want State to recognise trade

Hawkers with Madafu, a juicy fruit from a tree known as Mnazi, at Mombasa Island in Mombasa County on Thursday 8th October 2020. The price of the fruit varies depending on the size. [Kelvin Karani, Standard]

Palm wine dealers and coconut farmers now want the national and county governments to fund and market the crop.

Palm wine, popularly known as mnazi, is a favourite alcoholic drink among the Mijikenda.

Speaking on behalf of the palm wine tappers, Alfred Chome said many of them spend their time and energy on top of coconut trees but the product is sold at throw away prices.

"Mnazi prices are too low and we don't have a steady market. We appeal to the next governor and other legislators to pass laws that will factor coconut in their budgets," he said.

His sentiments were echoed by Ismail Abdala, a wine tapper from Gahaleni village.