The Government of Kenya has announced plans to increase rice imports as part of urgent efforts to address the widening gap between local production and national demand. According to Dr. Bruno Linyiru, Director General of the Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA), the country currently consumes an estimated 1.3 million metric tonnes of rice annually, yet local production meets only about 20% of this demand.
Dr. Linyiru warned that failure to bridge the deficit through imports could lead to serious consequences. “If we don’t act, the current shortfall will cause either severe food shortages or a sharp spike in prices—not just for rice, but also for other staples like maize flour and wheat-based products. This would trigger a domino effect on the cost of living and place an unsustainable burden on millions of Kenyan households,” he said.
He assured that the importation of rice will not negatively affect local farmers or destabilize the domestic market. “Before making this decision, the Government, through the Kenya National Trading Corporation (KNTC), took deliberate steps to support local rice farmers. KNTC continues to purchase rice directly from the paddy stage and ensures milling is completed. This guarantees local farmers a steady market throughout the production chain,” he added.
The rice importation initiative is a short-term measure aimed at stabilizing food prices and ensuring adequate supply, while the government maintains its long-term commitment to strengthening local production. The balanced approach is designed to protect both the consumer and the farmer, ensuring food security and price stability across the country.
