Mwea rice farmers decry influx of cheap imports into market

The traders, many of whom are also farmers, say business has slowed significantly, with customers opting for lower-priced imported rice. Some report spending long hours waiting for buyers, only to make no sales.

“It’s the worst time for us,” said one trader. “We suspect the government has imported a large quantity of rice, and customers are flocking to it because of the low prices.”

Mary Wambui, a farmer from Thiba, said she was unable to sell her 10 bags of paddy rice, leaving her stranded without school fees for her child.

“The millers told me they are not buying rice because they still have stock they purchased last week. I am now going back home with my rice,” she said.

Simon Munene, another farmer, also failed to sell his produce.

“I wanted to sell the rice to buy fertiliser for the off-season crop, but I now have nowhere to sell it,” he said.

Rice buyers at Mwea stores say they, too, are feeling the impact of the glut in supply, which farmers attribute to government imports.

Led by Pius Njogu, the farmers have accused the Ministry of Agriculture of failing to honour a pledge to allocate KSh 200 million to purchase locally produced rice.

“When officials from the Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA) and the Kenya National Trading Corporation (KNTC) visited Mwea and promised to buy rice, nothing came of it,” said Joseph Wainaina. “Our leaders welcomed them enthusiastically, but after they left, there has been silence.”

The farmers say prices have dropped sharply in recent weeks.

“Pishori white rice that we were selling at KSh 180 per kilogram is now going for KSh 150,” said Anne Murimi.

“Paddy Pishori rice that we used to buy at KSh 90 per kilogram is now at KSh 80,” added Stephen Muriithi, a trader at Ngurubani.

Farmers accuse the government of prioritising imports over local produce, raising concerns about the future of rice farming in Mwea.

“The government imported 500,000 metric tonnes of rice, and this is the result for Mwea farmers,” said William Muthii from the Wamumu section.

They are now calling for urgent intervention to protect local producers from further losses.