The High Court in Kerugoya has temporarily halted the government’s plan to import 500,000 metric tonnes of rice duty-free. This decision follows a legal challenge by the Farmers Party, which argues the importation is unjustified and detrimental to local farmers.

• The order, issued on Monday by Justice Edward M. Muriithi, suspends the Cabinet Secretary’s decision published in Gazette Notice No. 10353 of July 28, 2025.
• The application was filed by petitioner Alex Musyoki, representing rice farmers, who claims the government’s justification of a shortage is misleading as significant local rice stocks remain unsold.
• The case, HCCHRPET/E009/2025, names the Cabinet Secretary for Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries, the Agriculture and Food Authority, and the Kenya National Trading Corporation among the respondents.