Prof. Ogolla Opposes Duty-Free Rice Imports, Warns of Danger to Local Farmers and Food Security
Prof. Fred Ogolla addressing the press at the Kenya National Theatre on duty-free rice imports.
Professor Fred Ogolla has strongly opposed the government’s decision to allow the importation of 500,000 metric tons of duty free rice, saying the move poses a serious threat to the livelihoods of Kenyan farmers and undermines national food security.
Speaking during a press conference held at the Kenya National Theatre, Prof. Ogolla said the directive, contained in Gazette Notice No. 10533 issued on July 28, 2025, will hurt thousands of smallholder rice farmers, traders, and other players in the rice value chain. The notice allows importation of milled white rice duty-free up to December 31, 2025.
“The government is deliberately sabotaging the local rice sector. This policy creates unfair competition for farmers who are currently harvesting and have stocks ready for the market,” he said.
Prof. Ogolla cited Mwea, Ahero and Bura as the key rice-growing regions where harvesting is ongoing. He said the decision to allow duty free imports at this time will lead to a collapse in prices, discourage local production, and expose farmers to huge losses.
He added that Kenya’s annual rice consumption stands at about one million metric tons while local production is currently only 300,000 metric tons. According to him, the country has the potential to produce more than 1.5 million metric tons annually if proper investment is made in irrigation infrastructure, local milling, cooperative support, and extension services.
He criticised the government for prioritising importation over domestic capacity building, saying such decisions harm the economy and increase dependence on foreign markets. He pointed out that similar import quotas in 2024 failed to benefit the ordinary consumer, as retail prices remained high despite the duty waivers.
“USDA data shows that previous imports under similar quotas were even below the expected volume. There was no significant drop in rice prices. This proves that the duty free policy does not serve the common mwananchi p0 loopit enriches a few politically connected individuals,” he stated.
Prof. Ogolla said the decision has created a loophole for what he termed as “cronies and unscrupulous businessmen” to profit from duty-free deals at the expense of taxpayers and local producers. He warned that it would lead to mass job losses across the rice sector, from farming and milling to transportation and retail.
He noted that the importation of rice without duty also deprives the country of critical revenue. With a 35 percent import duty waived, the government loses billions in tax income, even as it increases taxes on salaries and local businesses.
“At a time when the government is raising taxes on workers, this policy sends the wrong message. We are giving away revenue and destroying the economic backbone of rural communities,” said Prof. Ogolla.
He said Kenya must take inspiration from Tanzania, which successfully grew its rice production to 2.4 million metric tons in 2023 after banning rice imports and investing in local agriculture. He called for a similar model to be implemented locally, with serious public investment in production and protection of Kenyan farmers.
Prof. Ogolla urged the government to cancel the duty free importation quota with immediate effect and reinstate the 35 percent duty on imported rice. He called for reallocation of public funds towards strengthening the rice sub-sector through irrigation projects, mechanisation, access to quality inputs and market access support for farmers and cooperatives.
He also challenged the government to open up investment opportunities to a wide range of local actors and avoid monopolisation of the sector by a few foreign interests. He said Kenya must avoid becoming a dumping ground for imported food while its own production capacity remains untapped.
“This is about national dignity and survival. Food security is not just about availability it is about sovereignty and control. Countries like the United States, China and Japan treat food security as a top priority. Kenya must do the same,” he said.
Prof. Ogolla appealed to faith based organisations, civil society, farmer groups and the general public to speak out against policies that undermine the country’s agricultural base. He said the survival of local economies and the wellbeing of millions of households depend on protecting domestic production.
He warned that relying on cheap imports is a short-term fix that weakens long term sustainability. He urged the government to shift focus from consumption driven economics to a model that empowers local producers and stimulates real growth.
He said the country’s economic problems from hunger to healthcare and education are urgent and must be addressed now. According to him, the solution lies in prioritising Kenyan resources, protecting local jobs, and restoring fairness in trade policy.
“People are hungry now. Businesses are closing now. Families are suffering now. The government must act now. We cannot wait for future promises while livelihoods are destroyed today,” he said.
By Wendy Sheilla and Fride Amiani
Prof. Fred Ogolla addressing the press at the Kenya National Theatre on duty-free rice imports.
