The High Court in Kisumu has ordered top government officials to account for Kenya’s duty-free rice importation program within seven days after Ahero rice farmers challenged the policy.

• This order concerns the duty-free importation of 490,000 metric tonnes of Grade 1 milled white rice.
• The court directed the Cabinet Secretary for the National Treasury and Economic Planning, the Cabinet Secretary for Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries, the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA), and the Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA) to respond.
• The Ahero Rice Farmers Association filed the petition, seeking transparency and accountability in the program's implementation and allocation of quotas, citing lack of public participation.

Kenyan exporters have urged the government to address high energy prices, costly freight, and trade barriers that are hindering the country's export competitiveness.

• Exporters highlighted escalating energy costs and inefficient logistics as major challenges.
• Key organizations involved include the Ministry of Investments, Trade and Industry, Sunripe Vertical Agro, and Utake Coffee.
• Calls were made to shift focus from exporting raw materials to value-added products and to reduce bureaucratic delays.

Kenyan miraa exports to Somalia have significantly declined in the first quarter of 2024, with Ethiopian suppliers capturing a larger market share.

• Export earnings fell by nearly Sh470 million, dropping to Sh3.09 billion from Sh3.56 billion year-on-year.
• The Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA) reported a 13 per cent drop in export volumes.
• This trend intensifies competition since Ethiopia secured preferential market access in 2023.