Rice importers have been given a boost after the government announced the approval of the duty-free import of 500,000 tonnes of grade 1 white milled rice.
In a gazette notice on Tuesday July 29, the government revealed that no taxes would be levied on the rice imports until December 31, 2025, in a move aimed at alleviating pressure on the local rice market.
According to the gazette notice, this was in line with the provisions of the East African Community Customs Management Act of 2004, which governs customs procedures and regulations for East African Community (EAC) member states. "Pursuant to section 114 (2) of the East African Community Customs Management Act 2004 as read with item 20 of Part B of the fifth schedule of the act, the Cabinet Secretary for the National Treasury and Economic Planning upon recommendation by the Cabinet Secretary for Agriculture and Livestock Development, directs that 500,000 metric tonnes of Grade 1 milled White rice be imported into Kenya duty-free on or before 31st December 2025," the gazette notice read. Sacks of rice after harvesting Photo WestFM The decision comes barely a month after the government announced plans to cut rice imports by almost 50 per cent in a bid to support local farmers and curb cheap imports. At the time, 8,500 rice farmers from Kirinyaga and neighbouring counties wanted the government to prioritise local production of rice before allowing further importation. However, the move lacked practicality, particularly since Kenya's rice demands has continued to rise on a monthly basis.
By June 2025, the monthly requirement of rice stood at 100,000 tonnes whilst the country only produced 191,000 tonnes of milled rice in the entire 2024/2025 season.
