The government says the decision to allow for importation of half a million metric tonnes of rice into the country is a strategic move to address supply shortfall.
According to the Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA), the move has been triggered by the global supply disruptions and price shocks which have hindered access to the commodity affecting low-income households.
National Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi gazette the intervention on July 28, 2025 allowing for the importation of grade 1 milled white rice duty-free until December 31, 2025.
“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. It is a targeted short-term response to current market pressures, reinforcing the Government’s ongoing commitment to food availability and economic resilience,” said Dr Bruno Linyiru, AFA Director General.
According to the food authority, Kenya currently consumes an estimated 1.3MT of rice annually against the production capacity of 254,000MT with the balance being imported to meet the demand.
As a prerequisite for imports, importers will be required to import grade 1 milled-white rice which meet international standards and have Certificate of Conformity from the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS).
AFA has however allayed fears that the decision to import 500,000MT tonnes will distort prices and edge out local producers.
“Importation will not disrupt the local market or disadvantage Kenyan famers. 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,” he added.
Last year, Kenya produced 191,067.5MT of rice forcing the government to import 933,434.5MT to bridge the balance.
