High Court Blocks Government's Move to Import 500,000 Tonnes of Duty Free Rice

Rice in a bag.

The High Court has temporarily stopped the government's plan to execute a Cabinet decision allowing the duty-free import of 500,000 metric tonnes of rice.

Justice Edward M. Muriithi granted a conservatory order to halt the directive issued by Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi, as outlined in the gazette notice dated July 28, 2025.

The court's decision to prioritize an application contesting the move led to the issuance of the order.

‘’The conservatory order is issued in terms of prayer No.2 of the Notice of Motion, pending he hearing of the application,’’the judge ruled.

National Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi. (Photo: National Treasury)

Following a recommendation from Agriculture CS Mutahi Kagwe, CS Mbadi mandated the duty-free import of Grade 1 milled white rice by December 31, 2025.

Nonetheless, farmers have vehemently resisted the directive, contending that it will negatively impact the local rice currently stored in the warehouses of the Mwea Rice Growers Multi-Purpose Cooperative Society (MRGM).

The Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA) has committed to safeguarding farmers' interests, ensuring the public that only Grade 1 milled white rice that complies with stringent Kenyan and international standards will be permitted entry into the country.

‘’The importation will not affect the local market or disadvantage Kenyan farmers,’’ said AFA Director General Dr. Bruno Linyiru.

He mentioned that prior to making the decision, the government, via the Kenya National Trading Corporation (KNTC), had already been purchasing rice directly from paddy during milling and continues this practice.

The High Court