Kenya has announced its Rice Import Plans from India, in which it would import about half a million tonnes of rice to address the domestic shortage. Surprisingly, the decision has sparked outrage among Local Farmers who hold unsold stock from the recent harvest and fear that cheap import will harm their livelihoods.
Kenya’s Rice Import Plans, recommended by the MOA
The Ministry of Agriculture has recommended the recent move of importing tonnes of rice. It aims to reduce prices and ensure food security in a country where demand is projected to reach 1.5 million tonnes this year. In a gazette notice dated July 28, 2025, National Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi authorised the duty-free importation of 500,000 metric tonnes of Grade 1 milled white rice by December 31, 2025. Currently, Kenya’s rice production is approximately 260,000 tonnes annually, which accounts for around 20 per cent of its needs, with the balance being imported, mainly from India and Pakistan.
The Agitation of Local Farmers
The local farmers in Kenya’s main growing regions have expressed their agitation over the recent decision. They assert that the government is exaggerating the shortages and that the 500,000-tonne import seems unnecessary. Several farmers raised concerns over unsold paddy rice stored in granaries and silos. They alleged that these imports will drive down farm-gate prices.
Not only this, but some farmers have also taken the matter to court. One of the petitioners, Alex Musyoki, argues that the government’s justification for the imports is false and unconstitutional. He claims that the decision neglected available local stocks and was taken without adequate public consultation. He cited that farmers already lose up to 40 per cent of their harvest post-harvest, losses that would increase if the market is flooded with imports.