Kenya faces a severe food crisis due to prolonged droughts and declining agricultural output, prompting Cabinet Secretary for Agriculture Mutahi Kagwe to issue an alert regarding a looming food shortage and price increases, particularly for rice.

• Kenya produces less than 20% of its rice consumption, with a projected shortfall exceeding 380,000 metric tonnes by early 2026.
• The High Court is currently addressing a petition challenging the government’s decision to allow time-bound, duty-free rice imports, with a ruling scheduled for January 29, 2026.
• Acute food insecurity in ASAL counties is projected to rise from 1.8 million to 3.5 million people if relief efforts falter.