In a bold move to reassure Kenya’s agricultural community, Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe has pledged to prioritize the purchase of all locally produced rice before allowing any imports into the country.
Speaking at a public event in Nyeri on August 3, 2025, Kagwe addressed growing concerns among farmers regarding the government’s plan to import 500,000 metric tonnes of white rice, emphasizing that local rice farmers will not be sidelined.
His remarks come at a critical juncture for Kenya’s agricultural sector, as the nation grapples with balancing food security, affordability, and support for local producers.
A Commitment to Local Farmers
Kagwe’s assurance is a direct response to fears that imported rice could flood the market, potentially undermining the livelihoods of local farmers, particularly in key rice-growing regions like Mwea, Ahero, and Bura.
“We will make sure we buy all the rice that is in this country even as we allow for rice to come in,” Kagwe declared. “There should be no panic from any farmer that we are going to import rice at the expense of the local farmer. I cannot supervise such an exercise.”
This commitment underscores the government’s intent to protect the interests of Kenyan farmers while addressing the nation’s food supply challenges.
Kenya’s annual rice demand stands at approximately 1.3 million metric tonnes, but local production meets only about 20% of this need—approximately 260,000 metric tonnes. The shortfall has historically necessitated imports to bridge the gap, a practice Kagwe noted is not new.
“This is not the first time we are importing rice. Last year and the previous year, the same thing happened, and we didn’t hear that rice in Mwea or anywhere else in the republic was spoilt, lost, or not bought by Kenya,” he said, urging farmers to remain calm.
Balancing Farmer Welfare and Consumer Needs
Kagwe’s remarks reflect a delicate balancing act between supporting local agriculture and ensuring food affordability for Kenyan consumers. The planned importation of rice is aimed at stabilizing food prices and preventing shortages that could drive up the cost of rice and other staple foods.
“We have to maintain a balance where the farmer is selling the rice that they are producing and getting paid for it. The consumer must also be supplied at a price they can afford,” Kagwe explained. “My mission is to ensure that the farmer is protected, and the consumer is also protected, so that food doesn’t become so expensive that they cannot afford it.”
Rising food prices have been a growing concern in Kenya, exacerbated by global supply chain disruptions, climate challenges, and fluctuating commodity markets.
By prioritizing local rice purchases, Kagwe aims to safeguard farmers’ incomes while ensuring that imports serve as a supplementary measure rather than a replacement for domestic production.
This approach is expected to stabilize the market, keeping rice—a staple for millions of Kenyans—accessible and affordable.
Boosting Local Production with International Support
In addition to addressing immediate concerns, Kagwe highlighted long-term efforts to enhance Kenya’s rice production capacity. He revealed that the government, in collaboration with Japan, is implementing initiatives to boost rice yields in key production hubs.
These efforts include modernizing irrigation systems, introducing high-yield rice varieties, and providing technical support to farmers.
“We are working with partners like Japan to ensure that regions like Mwea, which are the backbone of our rice industry, can produce more to meet the growing demand,” Kagwe noted.
The Mwea Irrigation Scheme, one of Kenya’s largest rice-producing areas, has been a focal point for these interventions. By improving access to quality seeds, fertilizers, and modern farming techniques, the government aims to reduce Kenya’s reliance on rice imports in the coming years.
Such initiatives align with broader national goals of achieving food self-sufficiency and strengthening the agricultural sector, which employs over 40% of Kenya’s workforce and contributes significantly to the country’s GDP.
Addressing Farmer Anxieties
Kagwe’s assurances come amid heightened anxiety among farmers, particularly in rice-growing regions, who fear that cheap imports could depress local prices and leave their produce unsold.
The government’s decision to import 500,000 metric tonnes of white rice has sparked debates about the potential impact on local markets.
Critics argue that without robust mechanisms to ensure local rice is prioritized, farmers could face significant losses. However, Kagwe’s firm commitment to clearing local stocks first aims to allay these fears.
To further reassure farmers, Kagwe emphasized that the government has a track record of managing imports without harming local producers. “In previous years, we’ve imported rice, and local rice was still bought. There’s no evidence of farmers’ produce going to waste,” he said.
The Agriculture Cabinet Secretary also called for calm, urging stakeholders to trust the government’s strategy to balance supply and demand.
A Broader Vision for Food Security
Kagwe’s statements reflect a broader vision for Kenya’s agricultural sector, one that prioritizes both food security and economic empowerment for farmers.
By ensuring that local rice is purchased before imports are allowed, the government is signaling its commitment to protecting rural economies while addressing urban consumers’ needs.
The partnership with Japan and other international stakeholders further demonstrates a proactive approach to addressing structural challenges in the rice sector.
As Kenya navigates the complexities of food production and distribution, Kagwe’s leadership will be critical in maintaining public trust and delivering on these promises. His emphasis on collaboration, transparency, and strategic planning offers hope for a sustainable solution to Kenya’s rice deficit.
Looking Ahead
The government’s rice import plan, coupled with efforts to boost local production, represents a multifaceted approach to addressing Kenya’s food security challenges.
For farmers in Nyeri, Mwea, and beyond, Kagwe’s assurances provide a lifeline, ensuring that their hard work will not go to waste. For consumers, the promise of stable prices offers relief in a time of economic uncertainty.
As the government rolls out its plans, all eyes will be on Kagwe and his team to deliver on their commitment to prioritize local rice while maintaining affordability for consumers.
With strategic investments and international partnerships, Kenya’s rice sector could be on the cusp of a transformation, paving the way for greater self-reliance and prosperity for its farmers.
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