NAIROBI, Kenya – The High Court in Kirinyaga has temporarily stopped the government from implementing its plan to import 500,000 metric tonnes of duty-free rice, pending the hearing of a petition filed by the Farmers Party.
Justice Edward Muriithi issued a conservatory order suspending the July 28 Gazette Notice by Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi, which had approved the rice importation.
The petitioners argue the move would severely harm local rice farmers, particularly in Mwea, whose stocks are yet to be sold.
“The application for a conservatory order to stay the implementation of the Cabinet Secretary’s decision is certified urgent in view of the relief sought,” Justice Muriithi ruled.
“In the meantime, a conservatory order is issued in terms of prayer No. 2 of the Notice of Motion pending hearing of the application.”
The case will be heard on August 14, 2025.
The order also carries a penal notice warning that disobedience will attract legal consequences.
The move comes on the back of the directive by Mbadi a move contested by rice growers.
In a Gazette Notice dated July 28, 2025,Mbadi, recommended Agriculture CS Mutahi Kagwe to authorize duty-free rice imports to be completed by December 31, 2025, citing an urgent need to shore up national food security and stabilize prices.
The move would have allowed traders to flood the Kenyan market with imported rice.
The Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA) defended the move, promising the State would allow only rice meeting Kenyan and international standards and insisted that the Kenya National Trading Corporation (KNTC) would continue to support local farmers by purchasing paddy and ensuring market access.
