Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru has raised concern over the government’s recent decision to allow the importation of duty-free basmati rice, warning that the move is undermining local producers in Mwea just as they prepare for a bumper harvest.
Waiguru said Mwea rice farmers have invested heavily in producing high-quality Pishori rice, spending an estimated Ksh. 60 per kilogram on production costs. She noted that the influx of imported rice has flooded the market and driven prices down, putting the farmers’ livelihoods at serious risk.
“Our Mwea rice farmers have invested heavily to produce high-quality Pishori rice, spending about Ksh. 60 per kilogram,” Waiguru said. “The recent decision to import duty-free basmati rice has flooded the market, pushing prices down just as farmers prepare for a bumper harvest. This threatens their livelihoods and years of progress.”
The governor appealed to the National Government to act swiftly to protect local farmers by prioritizing the purchase and consumption of locally produced rice.
“I once again urge the National Government to prioritize the uptake of Mwea rice as a matter of urgency and protect our farmers by supporting local production,” she said.
Waiguru emphasized that safeguarding the rice sector is key to securing thousands of households that depend on rice farming in Kirinyaga and achieving Kenya’s broader goal of food security and agricultural self-reliance.
“Supporting Mwea rice farmers means advancing Kenya’s goal of true food security and self-reliance,” she added.