Kenya rice import case takes a new turn after the High Court ordered government agencies to release records on the duty-free importation of 490,000 tonnes of rice within seven days.

High Court Orders Government to Release Records in Kenya Rice Import Case as Farmers Challenge Duty-Free Imports

The court has directed government agencies to release records linked to the duty free importation of 490,000 tonnes of rice within seven days.

 Kenya’s High Court has ordered government agencies to release records linked to the duty free importation of 490,000 tonnes of rice after certifying a petition filed by the Ahero Rice Farmers Association as urgent.

The court directed the National Treasury, Ministry of Agriculture, Agriculture and Food Authority, Kenya Revenue Authority, Attorney General, and Kenya National Trading Corporation to submit all documents related to the import programme within seven days.

The order covers the list of approved importers, allocated quotas, customs records, duty exemptions, import permits, selection criteria, Cabinet papers, stakeholder consultation reports, and economic impact assessments.

The dispute centres on Gazette Notice No. 10061, issued on July 6, which approved duty free imports of Grade 1 milled white rice until November 30, 2026.

The farmers argue that the government introduced the programme without public participation or a full review of its effect on local producers. They say the imports could reduce farm gate prices and affect investments in irrigation, seed, fertiliser, and milling across Ahero, Mwea, Bunyala, and West Kano.

The court said the matter required urgent attention because of the possible economic effects. Officials who fail to comply with the disclosure order could face penalties. The case will return to court on July 20 for further directions.

The latest court action comes months after rice farmers in Mwea, Kirinyaga County, warned that low priced imported rice had already started affecting sales and prices in Kenya’s largest rice growing area.

“It’s the worst time for us. We think the government brought in a large amount of rice, and buyers now prefer it because it is cheaper,” said one trader in Mwea.

Farmer Mary Wambui also described the pressure facing growers after failing to sell her harvest.

“The millers told me they are not buying rice because they still have stock they bought last week. I am now going back home with my rice,” she said.

Another farmer, Simon Munene, said, “I wanted to sell the rice to buy fertiliser for the off season crop, but I now have nowhere to sell it.”

Farmers say the price of Pishori white rice has dropped from KSh180 per kilogram (US$1.39) to KSh150 per kilogram (US$1.16). They also say paddy Pishori rice has fallen from KSh90 per kilogram (US$0.70) to about KSh80 per kilogram (US$0.62). They add that an earlier government promise to buy locally produced rice has yet to take effect.

https://farmerstrend.co.ke/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Kenya-rice-import.jpghttps://farmerstrend.co.ke/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Kenya-rice-import-150x150.jpgFarmersTrendFarming NewsKenya rice importKenya rice import case takes a new turn after the High Court ordered government agencies to release records on the duty-free importation of 490,000 tonnes of rice within seven days.The court has directed government agencies to release records linked to the duty free importation of 490,000 tonnes of rice...New Generation Culture in Agriculture