NAIROBI, Kenya – The High Court has temporarily blocked the government from implementing a Cabinet decision to allow the duty-free importation of 500,000 metric tonnes of rice.
Justice Edward M. Muriithi issued a conservatory order suspending a directive by National Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi, which was published in a gazette notice on July 28.
The order will remain in place pending the hearing of a suit challenging the imports on August 14.
The directive, issued on recommendations from Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe, had permitted the importation of duty-free Grade 1 milled white rice on or before December 31, 2025.
Farmers’ groups, particularly from Mwea, had strongly opposed the move, warning it would hurt local growers whose produce is stored in the Mwea Rice Growers Multi-Purpose Cooperative Society (MRGM) facilities.
In response, the Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA) defended the plan, saying only rice meeting strict Kenyan and international standards would be allowed in.
“Importation will not disrupt the local market or disadvantage Kenyan farmers,” said AFA Director General Dr. Bruno Linyiru. “Before this decision was reached, the government, through the Kenya National Trading Corporation (KNTC), actively procured and continues to secure rice directly from paddy as it is milled. KNTC remains committed to supporting local rice farmers by providing a guaranteed market throughout the milling process.”
The case was filed under a Notice of Motion dated August 7, which the court certified as urgent.
