The government has moved to ease tension among rice farmers in Mwea after Agriculture Principal Secretary Paul Kipronoh Rono ordered the immediate purchase of all locally available rice stocks across the irrigation scheme.
Speaking during the launch of a certified rice seed facility at Kirogo Farm in Mwea on Thursday, May 27, Rono directed the Kenya National Trading Corporation (KNTC) and the National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) to begin purchasing rice from farmers without delay.
The directive comes amid growing concern from farmers over the government’s decision to allow additional rice imports into the country, with many producers warning that the move could lower local prices and increase losses for farmers already struggling with high production costs.
Government Defends Rice Imports
While acknowledging the concerns raised by farmers, Rono defended the government’s importation plan, saying Kenya still produces less rice than the country consumes annually.
According to the PS, imports remain necessary to bridge the production gap and protect consumers from food shortages and rising market prices.
“We must first buy all locally produced rice before importing the deficit. The government has enough funds to purchase farmers’ rice, and no farmer should suffer losses because of delayed purchases,” Rono said.
He explained that the government’s priority is to ensure local farmers are protected while at the same time maintaining stable food prices across the country.
Rono noted that Kenya’s current rice production levels are still insufficient to meet national demand, making controlled imports unavoidable.
“Kenya does not produce enough rice to satisfy local consumption demand. Imports are necessary to stabilise prices and prevent shortages that could make food unaffordable for ordinary Kenyans,” he added.
Farmers’ Long-Standing Challenges
The Agriculture PS admitted that rice farmers in Mwea have for years faced multiple challenges, including delayed payments, low prices, and limited access to certified quality seeds.
He said the government is now focusing on reforms aimed at improving farmer earnings and strengthening the agricultural sector under the Kenya Kwanza administration.
“For many years, our farmers have struggled due to poor prices and delayed payments, but the government is committed to ensuring they get better returns for their hard work,” Rono stated.
The launch of the certified rice seed facility is expected to improve access to high-quality seeds and boost rice production in the region.
Mwea remains one of Kenya’s largest rice-producing areas and plays a critical role in the country’s food security agenda.
Warning Over Subsidised Fertiliser
At the same event, Rono issued a stern warning to individuals and cooperatives accused of exploiting farmers through the illegal sale of subsidised fertiliser at inflated prices.
The PS said the government would not tolerate traders who undermine efforts aimed at lowering production costs for farmers.
“We will not tolerate individuals or cooperatives selling subsidised fertiliser above the recommended price of Sh2,500. Those frustrating government programmes meant to support food production will face action,” he warned.
He urged farmers to report cases of overpricing and misuse of subsidised fertiliser, insisting that the programme was designed to support genuine farmers and improve national food security.
Rono further announced that cooperatives would now take direct responsibility for distributing subsidised fertiliser to farmers within their areas in an effort to improve accountability and transparency.
Push to Restore Farmer Confidence
The government’s intervention is expected to calm anxiety among rice farmers in Mwea, where concerns over imports and increasing production costs have continued to create uncertainty within the sector.
Farmers have recently demanded stronger protection against cheap imports, arguing that locally produced rice often struggles to compete with imported varieties due to higher production expenses.
The latest directive by the Agriculture Ministry signals renewed efforts by the government to support local rice farmers while balancing the country’s food supply needs.
