Why Importation of 500K tonnes of rice is necessary - AFA DG Bruno Linyiru

AFA director-general Bruno Linyiru/HANDOUT

The Government’s decision to approve the duty-free importation of 500,000 metric tonnes of Grade 1 milled white rice is a necessary and urgent step to cushion Kenyans from an impending food crisis, the Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA) has said.

In a press release dated July 31, 2025, AFA Director General Bruno Linyiru defended the move, saying it was sanctioned under Memorandum CAB(25)90 and published in Kenya Gazette Notice No. 10353 on July 28, as a strategic intervention to address the country's growing rice deficit.

“Kenya currently consumes an estimated 1.3 million metric tonnes of rice annually, yet local production accounts for only 264,000 metric tonnes, barely 20% of national demand,” he stated.

Linyiru warned that failing to act under the current shortfall would have triggered a chain of negative consequences.

“Failure to import rice under the current shortfall would lead to either acute food scarcity or a sharp spike in prices not only for rice but also for other staples such as maize flour and wheat products. This would create a domino effect on the cost of living and place an unsustainable burden on millions of Kenyan households,” he noted.

The DG emphasised that the duty-free imports are a short-term, targeted response to global supply disruptions and local market pressures, meant to stabilise prices and ensure affordability for all.

“This measure is aimed at safeguarding national food security, stabilising prices, and ensuring that rice remains affordable and accessible to all Kenyans, particularly low-income households,” Linyiru said.

Addressing concerns about potential harm to local producers, he assured that local farmers' interests are protected.

“Importation will not disrupt the local market or disadvantage Kenyan farmers,” he affirmed.

“Before this decision was reached, the Government, through the Kenya National Trading Corporation (KNTC), actively procured and continues to secure rice directly from paddy as it is milled.”

To ensure safety and quality for consumers, only premium-quality rice will be allowed in.

“To further protect quality and consumer safety: Only Grade 1 milled white rice that meets strict Kenyan and international standards,” he said.

Kenya’s rice production has increased from 122,045 MT in 2022 to 191,067.5 MT in 2024, but imports still play a major role in meeting demand.

In 2022, local production accounted for just 15% of the 800,133 MT consumed, and in 2023, only 14% of 1,072,386 MT.

By 2024, despite imports reducing to 742,367 MT, local production met only 20.47% of the total 933,434.5 MT needed.

The AFA boss said the move highlights the Government’s ongoing commitment to strengthening food security and economic resilience amid unpredictable global supply chains.