The High Court sitting in Kerugoya on Monday issued a conservatory order halting the importation of 500,000 metric tonnes of rice, pending the hearing and determination of a petition filed by the Farmers Party.
The order, issued by Justice Edward Muriithi, suspended the implementation of a decision by the directive issued by Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi and his Agriculture counterpart, Mutahi Kagwe, which was published in Gazette Notice No. 10353 on July 28, 2025.
According to the gazette notice, the Cabinet Secretary had approved the importation of the rice duty-free, a move that the Farmers Party is now challenging in court.
In its petition, the party sought to block the government from proceeding with the plan, arguing that the decision could have far-reaching consequences on local farmers and the agricultural sector.
Additionally, they heavily opposed the decision, citing that it would affect the local produce that is stored at Mwea Rice Growers Multi-Purpose Cooperative Society (MRGM) stores.
Justice Muriithi certified the matter as urgent, noting that the relief sought by the Farmers Party warranted immediate intervention before the scheduled hearing.
He directed that the application be served to the respondents, with the case set for hearing and further directions on Thursday, August 14, 2025.
"That the application for a conservatory order to stay the implementation of the Cabinet Secretary's decision published in Gazette Notice No. 10353 of 28/7/2025 approving the implementation of the importation of 500,000 MT of rice duty-free is certified urgent in view of the relief sought," the court ruling read in part.
''That the application shall be served for hearing/directions on Thursday, 14/8/2025.''
In the meantime, the court’s conservatory order will remain in effect, effectively putting the rice importation plan on hold until the petition is heard and determined.
The judge also issued a penal notice warning that any disobedience or non-observance of the court’s order will result in legal consequences for those involved.
Meanwhile, the Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA) had promised to safeguard farmers' interests, assuring the public that the State will only permit Grade 1 milled white rice that meets strict Kenyan and international standards.
