Rice cooperatives in Mwea and other key growing regions have confirmed that all locally produced rice supplied to the market has been fully purchased and paid for, easing long-standing concerns over delayed payments and stock backlogs.
The assurance was issued during an inspection visit to the Mwea Rice Growers Multipurpose Co-operative Society (MRGM) led by Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA) Director General Dr Bruno Linyiru, accompanied by senior officials from the State Department for Agriculture, the National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB), and the Kenya National Trading Corporation (KNTC).
MRGM chairperson Ndege Muriuki and managing director Anthony Waweru said rice offloading and payments had proceeded smoothly, with carry-over stocks falling to less than one percent into 2026, compared to nearly 30 percent the previous year.
“As of December 31, all rice delivered had been paid for, and KNTC is ready to take up all rice that farmers bring,” Waweru said.
The cooperative also dismissed claims that rice imports are hurting local farmers, noting that Mwea Pishori targets a premium niche market distinct from imported non-basmati varieties.
Government officials reiterated that while domestic rice production is steadily increasing, it still accounts for less than 20 percent of national demand, making controlled imports necessary to stabilize prices without undermining farmers.
The government further pledged to purchase all paddy and milled rice offered for sale, with payments guaranteed within 30 days, and urged farmers holding stocks to engage the NCPB or KNTC for immediate uptake.
