The Kenyan government has confirmed that all outstanding payments to Mwea rice farmers have been fully settled, aligning with an agreement between farmers and the Kenya National Trading Corporation (KNTC). This significant development was announced by Mwea Rice Growers Multipurpose Co-operative Society (MRGM) Managing Director Anthony Waweru during a visit by senior government officials.

• MRGM reported a carry-over of less than one percent from 2025 into 2026, a substantial improvement from nearly 30 percent the previous year.
• MRGM, the country’s oldest and largest rice cooperative, accounts for about 65 percent of Kenya’s total rice production.
• Concerns about rice imports affecting local farmers were dismissed, as Mwea Pishori rice serves a premium niche market, retailing at KES 140–160 per kilogram, compared to imported rice at KES 80–100 per kilogram.
• Rice production in Kenya has steadily increased, with paddy production projected to reach 302,000 MT in 2026, equivalent to 181,200 MT of milled rice.