Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru has urged the national government to protect local farmers by prioritizing their rice before allowing duty-free imports, particularly as the Mwea Rice Mills (MRM) faces privatization. She warned that the influx of cheaper foreign rice is depressing prices for Mwea farmers and threatening their livelihoods.

• Governor Waiguru emphasized the need to purchase all locally produced rice before allowing imports, especially during the harvest season.
• She proposed that Mwea farmers be given the first right of purchase when the Mwea Rice Mills is privatized.
• The concern follows a directive by Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi allowing duty-free Grade 1 rice imports until December 31, 2025, which Mwea Rice Growers Chairman Ndege Muriuki fears will lead to significant losses for local farmers.