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.

President William Ruto has officially signed the Sovereign Wealth Fund Bill, 2026 into law, establishing a dedicated fund for Kenya's mineral and petroleum riches.

• 30 percent of all mineral and petroleum revenues will be allocated to a Future Generations Fund.
• The fund aims to balance present-day infrastructure investment with long-term savings for future Kenyans.
• The legislation was hailed by President Ruto as the most consequential law passed by the 13th Parliament.

The Kenyan government has authorized the duty-free importation of 490,000 metric tonnes of Grade 1 white milled rice. This directive, issued by National Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi, aims to address shortages driven by increased production costs and adverse weather.

• Importation is permitted until November 30, 2026.
• The decision follows recommendations from the Minister for Agriculture and Livestock and aims to supplement dwindling local production, which barely lasts two months.
• Each consignment must meet Kenyan and international standards and include a Certificate of Conformity from the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KeBS).