NAIROBI, Kenya — The government has defended its decision to allow duty-free importation of 500,000 metric tonnes of white rice, saying the move is a strategic and time-bound response to cushion consumers from food price shocks and avert an impending supply crisis.
The decision, approved by Cabinet under Memorandum CAB(25)90 and published in Kenya Gazette Notice No. 10353 dated July 28, 2025, comes amid growing concern over rising food costs and low domestic rice production.
According to the Ministry of Agriculture, Kenya consumes approximately 1.3 million metric tonnes of rice annually, yet local production stands at just 264,000 metric tonnes—barely 20% of the national demand.
In a statement, Agriculture officials warned that failing to close the supply gap through imports would result in either acute food scarcity or a sharp spike in prices, not just for rice but also for maize flour and wheat products.
“This would create a domino effect on the cost of living and place an unsustainable burden on millions of Kenyan households,” said Dr. Bruno Linyiru, Director General.
Imports to Stabilize Prices, Not Undermine Farmers
The Ministry emphasized that the rice importation is a short-term measure aimed at stabilizing prices and safeguarding food security, particularly for low-income families.
To protect the interests of local farmers, the Kenya National Trading Corporation (KNTC) has continued direct procurement of locally milled rice and paddy, providing a guaranteed market for domestic producers.
“KNTC remains committed to supporting local rice farmers throughout the milling process,” the statement noted.
Strict Conditions for Imported Rice
To ensure quality and safety, all rice imported under the duty-free window must meet Kenyan and international standards.
Key conditions include:
- Only Grade 1 milled white rice will be allowed.
- All consignments must carry a Certificate of Conformity from the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS).
- The import window is strictly limited, with all rice required to arrive before December 31, 2025.
Rice Imports: A Recurring Necessity
The government maintained that rice importation has been part of Kenya’s food strategy for years, and will continue until the country achieves self-sufficiency.
Data from the past three years highlights the heavy reliance on imports:
| Year | Production (MT) | Imports (MT) | Total Supply (MT) | % Local Production |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 122,045 | 678,088 | 800,133 | 15% |
| 2023 | 150,000 | 922,386 | 1,072,386 | 14% |
| 2024 | 191,068 | 742,367 | 933,435 | 20.47% |
Long-Term Plans for Self-Sufficiency
To reduce dependency on imports, the government has partnered with the Government of Japan to expand the Mwea, Ahero, and Bura Irrigation Schemes.
These initiatives are part of the broader National Rice Development Strategy, which seeks to boost irrigation infrastructure, strengthen structured markets, enhance inputs, and improve value addition.
“This is a short-term solution in service of a long-term vision: strengthening food security while empowering and protecting Kenyan farmers,” said Dr. Linyiru.
The Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to balancing the needs of consumers with the sustainability of local agriculture, even as it navigates global market pressures.
