About Us
An emerging Kenyan khat farmer, distributor, and processor
Dark Aspen – Company Summary
Dark Aspen International Company Ltd is an emerging Khat farmer, distributor and processor company that is fully licensed, registered and operating in Kenya. We produce khat in our wholly owned farm based in Meru, Kenya. We carry out our Khat farming processes using natural, healthy, sustainable farming practices under strict guidance from the relevant authorities.
Our Strategy
In addition to our best-of-class khat farm, we have structured take off agreements with local community partners to ensure our high quality products reach our local and international clients after adhering to all local and international requirements. We have acquired all necessary licenses to operate our khat business.
Our Mission
Our core mission to become a global leader in the khat trade. In addition to our core business objectives, we are also helping to empower the local community through various projects including tertiary training, financing, marketing of products, and local health initiatives.
Innovation and Technology
We are planning to launch new products under our trademark protected brand, Lion Fyre. It is our expectation that the growth Lion Fyre will lead to technological innovation and wealth accumulation for our local partners.
Environmental Responsibility
Khat tree inventories represent an important carbon sink. Dark Aspen is committed to sustainable and environmentally responsible farming and business practices. We believe in avoiding the use of any toxic pesticides or other harmful chemicals that are commonly used in the khat farming industry.
What Is Khat?
Our Farm Offices at the Dark Aspen Meru Farm
- A plant native to the Horn of Africa and the Arabian Peninsula (Catha Edulis)
- Leaves and stems contain stimulants Cathinone and Cathine that produce mild euphoria
- 800+ year history of Khat chewing in the Horn of Africa and the Arab Peninsula
- Grown on a shrub or tree that typically attains a height of up to 1-5 meters
- Khat plans are harvestable after 2-3 years and take 7-8 years to reach full hight.
- Khat has many street names including “Miraa” or “Veve”
“Wrapped bundles of khat, a traditional herbal stimulant. Its fresh leaves and tops are chewed and frequently dried and drunk as a tea for a euphoric and stimulating state. The soft parts of the leaves or stems can be chewed with gum or fried peanuts to make it easier to chew.”