Kerugoya court slams government, KRA for defying rice import order

A Kerugoya High Court has found the government in contempt of court for importing duty-free rice in defiance of a standing court order, escalating a legal standoff over the protection of local farmers and adherence to judicial authority.

In a ruling delivered by Justice Edward Muriithi, the court held that the government unlawfully allowed the importation of rice on January 16, 2026, despite an earlier order staying the implementation of a gazette notice that had authorised duty-free imports.

The court had previously directed the government to grant a 30-day window to clear locally produced rice from stores and purchase stocks from farmers before proceeding with any importation. The import plan had permitted the entry of 254,000 metric tonnes of duty-free rice in three phases—85,000 tonnes each on March 1, April 1 and May 1, 2026.

However, the judge noted that the premature importation was in clear disregard of the court’s directives. He faulted officials from the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) for facilitating the process contrary to the express orders of the court.

“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,” Justice Muriithi stated, underscoring the seriousness of the breach.

The court consequently found both the government and KRA guilty of contempt and issued strict remedial orders. Among them is a directive requiring the publication of a fresh gazette notice revoking the contested notice that had authorised the duty-free imports. The government has also been ordered to issue a public apology.

Additionally, the court ruled that the imported rice must either attract the required duty payments or remain withheld from release into the market until locally produced rice stocks are cleared, in line with the original protective intent of the order.

The matter will be mentioned on March 2, 2026, to confirm compliance with the court’s directions.

Summons have also been issued requiring government and KRA officials to appear before the court and show cause why they should not be punished for contempt.