Kenyan Government Defends 500,000-Ton Rice Import Plan Amid Mwea Farmers' Protests, Assures Protection

Rice farmers in Mwea, Kirinyaga, have protested against the Kenyan government's plan to import 500,000 metric tons of duty-free white rice, arguing that the move will harm local producers and benefit a few wealthy individuals. The farmers have called for a halt to rice importation until the government purchases the existing local stock. In response, the government has defended the import plan, stating that domestic rice production is insufficient to meet market demand and has assured farmers of protection amid the controversy. Separately, traders have opposed new alcohol control regulations, warning that 1.3 million jobs could be at risk, even as the government commits to implementing the measures. Additionally, the federal government has taken action against sugar mills amid an ongoing sugar crisis in the country.