AFA Defends Duty-Free Rice Imports Amid Local Farmer Outcry

In Summary

  • AFA defends the duty-free import of 500,000 tonnes of rice.
  • Kenya faces 770,000-tonne annual rice deficit, with local production at 264,000 tonnes.
  • Farmers in Mwea and Nyatike protest, citing price undercuts from cheap imports.
  • Imports aim to stabilize prices and address rising demand of 1.3 million tonnes.
  • AFA assures KNTC will buy local rice, with payments within one month.
  • Expansion of irrigation schemes planned to boost local production by 2032.

The Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA) has defended the government’s decision to allow duty-free importation of 500,000 tonnes of Grade 1 milled white rice until December 31, 2025, despite protests from local farmers. AFA Director General Bruno Linyiru, speaking on July 31, 2025, in Nairobi, said the move addresses a 770,000-tonne annual rice deficit, with Kenya’s 2024/2025 production at 264,000 tonnes against a 1.3 million-tonne demand.

Farmers in Mwea and Nyatike have raised concerns that cheap imports, priced at KSh 70–80 per kilogram from countries like Pakistan and India, threaten local rice, which sells at KSh 100–160. “Imports are flooding markets, and our rice remains unsold,” said Peter Ochar, a Nyatike farmer. The Kenya National Farmers Federation noted that 8,500 farmers in Kirinyaga and surrounding areas risk losses, with some traders allegedly repackaging imported rice as local Mwea Pishori or Basmati.

Linyiru countered that the Kenya National Trading Corporation (KNTC) is committed to purchasing over 5,000 tonnes of local rice, valued at KSh 500 million, with payments guaranteed within one month of delivery. “Importation will not disrupt the local market or disadvantage farmers,” he assured, emphasizing that only rice meeting Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) requirements, with a Certificate of Conformity, will be allowed.

The duty-free window, gazetted on July 28, 2025, under the East African Community Customs Management Act, aims to prevent food scarcity and price spikes for staples like maize and wheat, which could rise if rice shortages persist. Agriculture CS Mutahi Kagwe noted, “We’re balancing consumer affordability with farmer support through irrigation and seed programs.”

Farmers remain skeptical, citing past delays in KNTC payments and the influence of import cartels. “We need protection, not promises,” said Gorrety Omondi from Mwea. The Ministry is collaborating with Japan to expand Mwea, Ahero, and Bura irrigation schemes, targeting rice self-sufficiency by 2032. Stakeholder consultations are planned to address farmer concerns before the import window closes.