The High Court in Kerugoya has stopped the government from importing 500,000 metric tonnes of duty-free rice, pending the determination of a petition by the Farmers Party.
Justice Edward Muriithi on Monday issued a conservatory order suspending the implementation of a decision approved by Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi and Agriculture CS Mutahi Kagwe. The move, published in Gazette Notice No. 10353 on July 28, 2025, had allowed the rice to be imported without duty.
The Farmers Party is challenging the decision, warning that it could hurt local rice farmers and disrupt the agricultural sector. They also argued that the plan threatens to undermine local stockpiles stored at the Mwea Rice Growers Multi-Purpose Cooperative Society (MRGM).
Justice Muriithi certified the case as urgent, saying immediate intervention was necessary before the hearing scheduled for Thursday, August 14, 2025.
“The application for a conservatory order… is certified urgent in view of the relief sought,” read part of the ruling.
The court’s order will remain in place until the petition is heard and determined. A penal notice was also issued, warning that failure to comply with the court’s directives will attract legal consequences.
Meanwhile, the Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA) has assured farmers that only Grade 1 milled white rice meeting strict Kenyan and international standards will be allowed into the country.
