Why court temporarily stopped controversial rice import

Rice farming in Mwea. [File, Standard]

The government has suffered a major setback after the High Court in Kerugoya temporarily blocked its plan to import 500,000 tonnes of duty-free rice.

In orders issued yesterday, Justice Edward Muriithi granted interim conservatory orders, effectively suspending the importation process and directing the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) to detain any rice consignments already in the country, a move seen as a lifeline for local rice farmers struggling with unsold produce.