CONDEMNING THE GORVERNMENT'S DECISION TO IMPORT 500,000 METRIC TONS OF DUTY-FREE RICE IN TO KENYA.

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Prof Fred Ogolla leader of "EVOLVE TEAM"(center) giving a statement on state of agriculture in the country at Kenya National Theatre 

By: Glad Tv Kenya reporter

The Kenyan government’s recent decision to import 500,000 metric tons of duty-free rice has sparked outrage among local farmers and traders. They claim this move will destroy their livelihoods, force mass job losses, and disrupt national food security.

"This is not just a policy issue, it is a matter of national dignity, economic justice, and survival," says TEAM "EVOLVE"

Local farmers in Mwea, Ahero, and Bura have ample stocks, with harvesting ongoing until the end of December. Flooding the market with cheap imports will unfairly compete with local produce, they argue. *"We can't keep the wheels of our economy in the parking lot growing imports while reducing exports and expect a stronger shilling, offer free education, free healthcare, and guarantee jobs," TEAM "EVOLVE" adds.

The government’s decision has been criticized for benefiting foreign exporters and politically connected elites at the expense of Kenyan taxpayers and producers. Historical data shows that duty-free import regimes do not lower consumer prices but instead serve as opportunities for corruption and elite profiteering.

Demands for Change

- Immediate Cancellation: Cancel Gazette Notice No. 10353 and the duty-free rice import quota.

- Reinstatement of Import Duty: Reinstate the 35% import duty to level the playing field and protect Kenyan producers.

- Investment in Local Production: Redirect public investment toward strengthening irrigation infrastructure and supporting local millers and farmers.

- Realistic Strategy: Implement a realistic, transparent, and time-bound strategy to reach self-sufficiency in rice production by 2030.

A Call to Action

Stakeholders, faith leaders, farmer groups, civil society, media, and ordinary citizens are urged to join in condemning policies that jeopardize local livelihoods and weaken Kenya’s long-term food security. "Kenya must evolve from a consumption economy to production," TEAM "EVOLVE" emphasizes.

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