A company commercializing an innovative product developed at Meru University of Science and Technology (MUST) is poised to take a major step toward public investment following a fact-finding visit by officials from the Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE).

From left, Mr Robert Kabata, Director Dark Aspen, Prof. Hilda Omae, representing the VC, Ms. Judy, Prof. Joshua Arimi, Director, IIF, Ms. Christine and Mr. Irungu Waggema the business development sector Leader for Agriculture.

This week,  MUST, Prof. Hilda Omae – who also serves as the Deputy Vice Chancellor for Administration, Finance and Planning hosted a delegation from the NSE led by Irungu Waggema, the Business Development Sector Leader for Agriculture. The team visited the university to assess the potential listing of Dark Aspen Plc, a firm working closely with the institution to commercialize a groundbreaking miraa infusion bag technology.

The packaged Khat infusion bag, from left three sachets of Miraa in a pack, sample of single sachet and three sachets of Muguka in a pack. The product, developed through research and innovation at MUST, represents a novel value-added approach to processing khat commonly known as miraa transforming the traditional stimulant crop into a modern, packaged infusion product suitable for broader markets.

Advancing Indigenous Food Innovation

The initiative underscores the growing role of Meru University of Science and Technology in advancing research, innovation, and commercialization of indigenous African foods. The university has been actively supporting technologies that add value to local agricultural commodities while creating new economic opportunities. Miraa, also known as khat, is a major economic driver in the region. Industry estimates indicate the crop contributes approximately KSh 13 billion annually to the Kenyan economy and supports the livelihoods of more than five million people across the value chain, from farmers and traders to exporters. The proposed listing of Dark Aspen Plc on the Nairobi Securities Exchange is expected to unlock new capital that will accelerate the scaling up and commercialization of miraa-based products for both local and international markets.

Showcasing the Innovation

During the visit, the delegation toured the university’s miraa infusion processing facility and other innovation spaces. The team was hosted by Prof. Joshua Arimi, Director of the Institute of Indigenous Foods (IIF) at MUST, who guided the visitors through the technology development and commercialization process behind the miraa infusion bag.

Also present was Mr. Robert Kabata, Director at Dark Aspen Plc, whose company is spearheading the commercialization of the innovation.

The visit marks an important milestone in the university’s efforts to translate research into viable commercial enterprises, demonstrating how academia–industry partnerships can transform indigenous crops into globally competitive products while boosting regional economic development.