Court halt tempers trade; farm sectors rejoice over suspension of duty-free rice imports
The High Court in Kerugoya, Kenya, has suspended the government's plan to import 500,000 metric tonnes of duty-free rice, issuing a conservatory order on August 11, 2025. This suspension will remain in effect pending a full hearing scheduled for August 14, 2025.
The legal challenge was initiated by the Farmers Party, which argues that the duty-free importation decision is illegal, irrational, and violates the Constitution. The Party contends that this move severely disadvantages local rice farmers, who already have sufficient stock to supply the market and face unfair competition from cheaper imported rice.
The Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA) defends the import plan, citing a significant shortfall in local production. Kenya’s annual rice consumption is about 1.3 million tonnes, while local production accounts for only around 264,000 tonnes, about 20% of the demand. The government argues the importation intends to stabilize the market and ensure affordability for low-income households without disrupting the local rice market.
Local rice farmers have raised concerns over unfair competition and market access for their produce due to the importation of duty-free rice. The Farmers Party, part of the United Opposition, has not issued a statement in response to Linyiru's assurance about the importation of rice.
The AFA Director General, Bruno Linyiru, stated that the importation of rice is intended to cushion consumers against rising food costs and safeguard the interests of local farmers. Linyiru did not mention any specific date for the resumption of the suspended directive to import 500,000 metric tonnes of rice duty-free. According to Linyiru, failure to import rice under the current shortfall could lead to food scarcity or a sharp spike in prices for other staples such as maize flour and wheat products.
Secretary General Simon Kamangu of the Farmers Party stated that the move would severely disadvantage local farmers. Local farmers' concerns over unfair competition and market access for their produce due to the importation of duty-free rice remain unaddressed by the AFA.
In summary:
- The High Court in Kerugoya has suspended the government's plan to import 500,000 metric tonnes of duty-free rice, pending a full hearing on August 14, 2025.
- The Farmers Party has challenged the decision, arguing that it is illegal, irrational, and violates the Constitution.
- The AFA defends the import plan, citing a significant shortfall in local production and aiming to stabilize the market and ensure affordability for low-income households.
- Local rice farmers have raised concerns over unfair competition and market access for their produce due to the importation of duty-free rice.
- The outcome of the case will be critical in determining how local rice farmers will be protected or affected by future imports of duty-free rice in Kenya.
- The business sector is closely watching the legal challenge by the Farmers Party against the government's decision to import duty-free rice, as the outcome could significantly impact local rice farmers and the wider agricultural industry.
- The epaper reports that the High Court's decision to suspend the importation plan has sparked debate in the politics arena, with the opposition arguing that the move undermines local farmers, while the government maintains that it is necessary to stabilize the market and ensure affordability for low-income households.
- The financial implications of the case are also under scrutiny, as experts predict that a disruption in the rice market could lead to increased costs for consumers, negatively affecting the overall economy.
