Mwea MP Mary Maingi Urges Government to Halt Rice Imports, Commends Support for Local Farmers

By John Kariuki

Mwea Member of Parliament Hon. Mary Maingi has strongly opposed the continued importation of rice into the country, warning that the move threatens the livelihoods of thousands of local farmers. She noted that the decision to allow duty-free rice imports could destabilize the market at a time when Mwea farmers are expecting a bumper harvest, leading to reduced prices and discouragement among producers.

Hon. Maingi, however, commended the Government for its recent intervention in purchasing unsold rice that had been stagnating in stores across Mwea. She praised the allocation of Ksh 500 million toward buying the locally grown Pishori rice, describing it as a significant relief to farmers and a demonstration of the Government’s willingness to stand with them.

“I want to sincerely thank the Government for the positive step of buying off the rice that had been lying idle in stores. This has given our farmers hope and encouragement to continue producing high-quality Pishori rice,” she said. “The purchase reflects the Government’s recognition of the importance of local production and its contribution to food security.”

The MP urged the Government to build on this momentum by setting aside additional funds to buy the upcoming December harvest in Mwea, where an abundant yield is expected. She emphasized that such proactive measures would protect farmers from potential market losses and stabilize prices across the value chain.

“As we prepare for the December harvest, I appeal to the Government to plan ahead and allocate resources to buy the new rice early enough. This will ensure our farmers receive fair returns for their hard work and that the local rice industry remains competitive,” Hon. Maingi added.

She reiterated that protecting local producers must remain a national priority, noting that rice farming supports thousands of households and contributes significantly to Kenya’s food security and economic growth. Hon. Maingi urged relevant ministries to strengthen market linkages, promote value addition, and expand local consumption of Kenyan-grown rice.

Her remarks come as the Mwea Irrigation Scheme, the country’s largest rice production zone, continues to play a vital role in meeting national food needs. The MP said that while the Government’s support through the recent rice purchase was commendable, it must be matched with policies that discourage unnecessary imports and safeguard the interests of local farmers.

Hon. Maingi reaffirmed her commitment to championing the welfare of Mwea farmers, emphasizing that empowering local producers and promoting agricultural self-reliance remain central to Kenya’s long-term economic stability.