Kenya: High Court Limits Duty-Free Rice Imports to 250,000 Tonnes
Kenya’s High Court has allowed duty-free rice imports but capped them at 250,000 metric tonnes and limited the window to October 31, 2025. Justice Edward Muriithi upheld the import plan to ease shortages but ordered tighter monitoring to protect farmers. A full hearing will follow in November.
The High Court in Kerugoya has cleared the government to proceed with duty-free rice imports, but under tighter restrictions than initially planned.
In a ruling delivered on August 19, 2025, Justice Edward M. Muriithi upheld Kenya Gazette Notice No. 10353, which had authorised the duty-free importation of 500,000 metric tonnes of Grade 1 rice. However, the court halved the quota to 250,000 metric tonnes and shortened the importation window to October 31, 2025, instead of the six months originally provided.
The case was filed by a petitioner who argued that the duty-free imports were unconstitutional, discriminatory, and introduced without public participation. The petitioner also raised concerns that the move would depress rice prices and undermine the livelihoods of local producers.
The State, represented by the Ministries of Treasury and Agriculture, defended the Gazette Notice, noting that Kenya produces only about 20 per cent of its annual rice consumption. They argued that imports were necessary to curb food shortages, contain inflation, and prevent a potential food crisis.
While delivering his decision, Justice Muriithi stressed the need to balance consumer needs with farmer protection. The court recommended phased importation and close monitoring of local harvests and prices to shield producers from market shocks while ensuring national food security.
The court directed the respondents to submit a progress report by November 3, 2025, outlining local production levels, replenishment of farmers’ stocks, and the actual market deficit. Further directions will be issued on the same day.
The petition is set to proceed to a full hearing.
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Source : Kilimo News
