High Court approves phased duty-free rice imports to bridge current huge national deficit
However, the court noted that the government had demonstrated that imports were necessary to address a national rice deficit and prevent a looming shortage. Justice Muriithi observed that Kenya’s current rice production cannot meet domestic demand, forcing the country to rely heavily on imports to bridge the gap.
Kenyan court gives government greenlight to import 250,000 metric tonnes of rice
The court ordered respondents to submit a progress report by November 3, 2025, detailing local production, farmers’ stock replenishment and actual deficit, with further instructions due on the same day when the petition will proceed to a full hearing.
