The government has defended the decision to allow the importation of 500,000 metric tonnes of rice as a strategic intervention to the country’s current supply shortfall.
The Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA) explained that the global supplies disruption and elevated prices have made the staple grain even less affordable to most Kenyans, especially poor households.
National Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi signed the decision officially in a gazette notice dated July 28, 2025. The directive permits the importation of Grade 1 milled white rice into the country duty-free up to December 31, 2025. The move sparked uproar from local farmers, prompting the government to respond.
“This measure is aimed at safeguarding national food security, stabilizing prices and ensuring that rice remains affordable and accessible to all Kenyans, particularly low-income households,” said AFA Director General Dr Bruno Linyiru.
“It is a targeted short-term response to current market pressures, reinforcing the Government’s ongoing commitment to food availability and economic resilience.”
According to the Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA), Kenya consumes about 1.3 million metric tonnes of rice per year, whereas local farmers only produce 254,000 metric tonnes. The country relies largely on imports to cover the deficit.
To maintain quality, AFA stated that all rice brought into the country must be Grade 1 milled white rice that meets international standards. Importers also have to present a Certificate of Conformity from the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) before the rice is cleared for entry.
Notwithstanding the fears by some, AFA guaranteed Kenyans that the importation of 500,000 metric tonnes of rice will neither destabilize local prices nor pose a risk to local producers.
“Importation will not disrupt the local market or disadvantage Kenyan famers,” said Dr. Bruno Linyiru, AFA’s Director General.
“Before this decision was reached, the Government, through the Kenya National Trading Corporation (KNTC) actively procured and continues to secure rice directly from paddy as it is milled. KNTC remains committed to supporting local rice farmers by providing a guaranteed market throughout the milling process.”
Last year, Kenya produced only 191,067.5 metric tonnes of rice, forcing the government to import 933,434.5 metric tonnes to meet national demand.
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