It is a sigh of relief for over 8,500 rice farmers from Kirinyaga and neighbouring counties after the Ministry of Agriculture successfully addressed their concerns about the negative impact of rice importation on their business.

The farmers, under the Mwea Irrigation Scheme, had lamented that rice importation had taken a toll on the sale of locally produced rice. They had pleaded with the government to place an embargo on the importation, in order for them to be to sale over 5,000 metric tonnes of locally grown rice — valued at
approximately Ksh 500 million.

In a high-level meeting held at the Mwea Rice Growers Multipurpose (MRGM) Cooperative Society
offices on Thursday, May 29, it was agreed that KNTC will mop up the locally grown rice — valued at
approximately Ksh 500 million.

In a statement from Dr. Bruno Linyiru, the Director General, Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA), the Cooperative will receive full payment within one month after delivery, a significant improvement on previous delays that hampered farmers’ operations and cash flow.

After the farmers’ concerns, Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe directed AFA to visit the region with Kenya National Trading Corporation (KNTC) and find a solution.

“While acknowledging the strategic need for some imports due to the national rice deficit, the Ministry recognizes the importance of supporting local production first,” the statement reads in part.

According to Dr. Linyiru, Kenya produced 191,000 metric tonnes of milled rice in 2024/25 season. This, he says, can only last for two months because the monthly requirement is about 100,000 metric tonnes.

He reiterated that since January, only 94,000 metric tonnes of rice has been imported. This shortfall therefore necessitates importation to supplement local supply of the third most consumed staple cereal after maize and wheat.

Going forward, AFA in collaboration with the Ministry and other key stakeholders is spearheading initiatives to reduce rice imports by 50% through expansion of irrigation schemes, increasing area under production, introduction of high-yield rice varieties and promotion of upland rice farming, a move that will empower more farmers, increase production and productivity and enhance food security.

The Cooperative’s leadership, while supportive of controlled importation, expressed concern over unethical practices by some retailers packaging imported rice as local brands.

AFA has pledged a firm crackdown on such deceptive practices in consultation with KEBS to protect both farmers and consumers.

“KNTC remains a critical partner in this initiative and has pledged to purchase local rice. Farmers are grateful to the government for constructing Thiba Dam which has enabled the have three crops in a year hence increasing production. The Ministry reaffirms its commitment to safeguarding the interests of Kenyan farmers and promoting local agricultural value chains as part of the national food security agenda.”

The high profile meeting was attended by key stakeholders including the Cooperative Chairman Mr. Ndege Muriuki, Manager Mr. Antony Waweru, Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA) Director General, Dr. Bruno Linyiru, Director, Food Crops Directorate, Mr. Calistus Kundu, and Kenya National Trading Corporation (KNTC), and Managing Director Ms. Lucy Anangwe.