Rice farmers in Kenya’s Mwea Irrigation Scheme have issued a strong warning to the government, threatening mass protests and the blockage of major highways if urgent action is not taken to halt rice imports.
The farmers say the influx of imported rice has severely disrupted the local market, leaving them with unsold produce and significantly reduced prices for their harvest—particularly the popular Pishori variety grown in the region.
Farmers Decry Falling Prices
Farmers from Thiba, Wamumu, Tebere, Nguka, and Jua Kali sections say they are now facing heavy losses due to declining demand.
According to farmer Paul Mugo, the price of unmilled Pishori rice has dropped sharply.
“We are now selling unmilled Pishori rice at Ksh 80 per kilogram instead of Ksh 100,” he said.
Mugo explained that many farmers harvested their rice last year and were expecting payments from the Mwea Rice Growers Multipurpose Cooperative Society by May 2026. However, due to the oversupply caused by imports, their produce has yet to be purchased.
This delay has left many farmers stranded financially, with no immediate source of income despite months of hard work in the fields.
Threat of Protests and Highway Blockade
Frustration among farmers is rapidly escalating. Led by figures such as Pius Njogu, Zachary Gakono, Wangechi Maina, and Paul Mugo, the farmers have given the government a two-week ultimatum.
If no action is taken, they have vowed to shut down businesses and block the busy Mwea–Embu Highway to demand direct intervention from national leaders.
Njogu warned that the situation is becoming unbearable, especially for families relying on rice farming as their primary source of income.
“Buyers prefer imported rice, which has flooded the market. We are giving the government two weeks to intervene. If nothing is done, we will close our businesses and block the highway until officials come in person,” he said.
He also accused local leaders of neglecting the region’s concerns, claiming that priority is often given to other cash crops like tea and coffee.
Traders Also Feeling the Impact
The ripple effects of the crisis are being felt beyond farms, with traders also struggling to sell their stock.
Ngurubani trader Wangechi Maina described the situation as one of the toughest periods for rice businesses in recent years.
She said cheaper imported rice has attracted more customers, leaving local traders unable to compete.
“It is the worst time for us,” she said, noting that many traders suspect large volumes of imported rice have been released into the market at lower prices.
Maina recounted how she failed to sell 10 bags of paddy rice sourced from Thiba, which she had hoped would help her pay school fees. Millers, she said, are no longer buying due to excess stock.
“I’m going home with my rice,” she added.
Farmers Struggle to Sustain Production
Other farmers, including Simon Munene, say the crisis is now affecting future production cycles.
Munene explained that he had planned to sell his rice to buy fertilizer for the next planting season but has been unable to find a buyer.
“I have nowhere to take it,” he said, highlighting how the market disruption could have long-term effects on food production if not addressed quickly.
Prices Drop Across the Market
Rice buyers and retailers have also reported declining prices, reflecting the oversupply in the market.
Anne Murimi, a rice seller, noted that Pishori white rice has dropped from Ksh 180 to Ksh 160 per kilogram.
Similarly, Stephen Muriithi said paddy Pishori rice purchased at Ksh 90 per kilogram is now selling at Ksh 80.
These price drops, while beneficial to consumers in the short term, are devastating for farmers and traders who rely on stable pricing to sustain their livelihoods.
Farmers Accuse Government of Neglect
Farmers have strongly criticized the government’s decision to allow rice imports before purchasing local produce.
They argue that the move undermines local farming efforts and threatens the sustainability of rice production in Mwea, one of Kenya’s key rice-growing regions.
The farmers are now calling for policies that prioritize local produce, including guaranteed markets and better regulation of imports to protect domestic agriculture.
A Growing Crisis
The situation in Mwea reflects a broader challenge facing Kenya’s agricultural sector—balancing food imports with the protection of local farmers.
While imports may help stabilize food supply and prices nationally, farmers argue that poorly timed importation can collapse local markets and discourage production.
As tensions rise, all eyes are now on the government’s next move. With a looming protest threat and growing frustration among farmers, the coming weeks could prove critical in determining the future of rice farming in Mwea.