Kenya High Court Orders Immediate Release of Stalled Rice Imports
News Updated: 23 January 2026 12:40 EAT
Rice grains
The High Court has ordered the immediate release and customs clearance of 500,000 tonnes of duty-free rice stuck at port, including in Mombasa, in a decision that appears to contradict a recent Kerugoya court order.
The Milimani High Court directed state agencies to release all qualifying rice imports under the government’s duty-free import programme, citing concerns over rising food prices and potential shortages. The ruling applies to shipments that meet safety and inspection standards, ensuring full application of tax and levy exemptions.
This order comes after the Kerugoya High Court had, last week, partially suspended the importation of the rice, allowing only 250,000 tonnes to proceed while raising concerns over potential harm to local farmers and the sufficiency of existing domestic stocks.
Petitioners in the Kerugoya case argued that the larger import could negatively impact local producers and sought to quash the government’s authorisation for the full 500,000 tonnes.
The conflicting rulings have created legal uncertainty, leaving government agencies uncertain about how to comply while respecting both court directives.
Legal analysts noted that the Milimani High Court emphasised food security as a constitutional matter, instructing authorities to facilitate clearance without further delay.
The import programme was authorised under government gazette notices issued in July 2025 and January 2026, aiming to supplement local supply amid rising demand.
The High Court’s latest order is expected to ease pressure on rice markets across the country, where prices have surged in recent months due to limited supply.
Authorities have been instructed to comply immediately with the ruling while ensuring that all safety and quality standards are adhered to during the release and distribution of the rice.
Tags: Signs Media Kenya Limited Signsmedia Food Mwea Tabere
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FELIX MAKONA
FACT FINDER AND DATA DRIVEN JOURNALIST. DATA MINING AT IT'S BEST. GET FACTS RANGING FROM MATTERS DISABILITY AND INCLUSION, POLITICS, ECONOMY, SPORTS AND GENERAL NEWS AROUND THE WORLD