Blow to Gov’t as High Court blocks duty-free rice imports

The Kerugoya High Court has ruled that the government acted in contempt of court by importing duty-free rice on January 16, 2026, despite a court order staying the implementation of the gazette notice allowing rice imports.

The court had previously given the government 30 days to clear locally produced rice from stores and farmers before importing duty-free rice.

The allowed import of 254,000 metric tonnes of duty-free rice was to be done in three phases: 85,000 tonnes on March 1, April 1, and May 1, 2026.

Judge Edward Muriithi noted that the government's actions were in disregard of the court's orders and that officials from the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) had wrongly allowed the importation of rice.

"It's wrong for some officials from KRA to go against the court ruling ordering the imported rice to stay in their offices until March 2, 2026," the judge said.

The court found the government and KRA guilty of contempt and ordered them to publish a gazette notice revoking the impugned gazette notice and issue a public apology.

The government is also required to pay the required duty on the imported rice or withhold its release until the locally produced rice is cleared.

The matter is scheduled to be mentioned on March 2, 2026, to confirm compliance with the court's directions.

The court has also issued summons to the government and KRA to appear and show why they should not be punished for contempt.