The High Court in Kerugoya has temporarily blocked a government directive that would have allowed 500,000 metric tonnes of milled white rice to enter Kenya without import duty, pending a full hearing of the case.

Justice Edward Muriithi issued the conservatory orders after the Farmers Party moved to court, contesting a gazette notice published on July 28, 2025, by Treasury CS John Mbadi.

The notice had granted millers and importers a duty-free window to bring in the rice between now and December 31, 2025.

In the ruling, the court stated: “It is hereby ordered; THAT the application for conservatory order to stay the implementation of the Cabinet Secretary’s decision published in Gazette Notice NO. 10353 of 28/7/2025 approving implementation of importation of 500,000 MT of rice duty free is certified urgent in view of the relief sought.”

The Farmers Party, which filed the petition on August 3, argued that the Executive’s move disadvantaged local farmers who, they said, have sufficient stock to supply the domestic market.

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In a statement, the party maintained: “Under the Conservatory orders to stay the implementation filed on August 3, 2025, the party avers that the decision by the Agriculture Cabinet Secretary to import duty-free rice was unreasonable, irrational, illegal and in gross violation of the Constitution of Kenya, 2010.”

The Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA), named as the second respondent in the case, defended the importation plan last week as a strategic measure to avert possible shortages caused by price fluctuations and supply shocks in the international market.

Official data from AFA shows Kenya consumes about 1.3 million metric tonnes of rice each year, while local production stands at around 254,000 metric tonnes, with imports bridging the gap.

The case is scheduled for a hearing and directions on August 14, 2025.

The court’s final decision will determine whether the duty-free imports proceed or whether the government will have to rely solely on domestic supply to meet demand.