By Michelle Amondi
The High Court has temporarily stopped the government from implementing a Cabinet decision allowing the duty-free importation of 500,000 metric tonnes of rice.
Justice Edward M. Muriithi issued the conservatory order suspending a July 28, 2025 gazette notice by Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi, pending the hearing of an application on August 14. The petitioners argue the imports would harm local farmers, particularly those storing produce at Mwea Rice Growers Multi-Purpose Cooperative Society.
CS Mbadi had directed that duty-free Grade 1 milled white rice be imported by December 31, 2025, citing recommendations from Agriculture CS Mutahi Kagwe.
The Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA) has sought to reassure farmers, saying only high-quality imports meeting Kenyan and international standards would be allowed, and that the Kenya National Trading Corporation is continuing to buy local rice directly from farmers.
