In a scathing critique of the Kenyan government’s latest trade move, Prof. Fred Ogolla has condemned the decision to allow the importation of 500,000 metric tons of duty-free rice into the country. His statement, issued under the banner of Team Evolve, lays bare the dire consequences of what he calls a “deliberate and intentional” policy to undermine local agriculture in favour of elite profiteering.
“The government is being deliberate and intentional in sabotaging local rice farmers by allowing cheap, duty-free imports to flood the market every year, instead of investing in and protecting the sector,” said Prof. Ogolla.
At the heart of this controversy is Gazette Notice No. 10353, issued on July 28, 2025, which allows duty-free rice imports through the end of the year. Ostensibly aimed at addressing food shortages and stabilizing prices, the policy is instead seen as a death sentence for Kenya’s domestic rice industry already struggling to meet national demand due to lack of infrastructure and support.
Ogolla and his team argue that the move will not bring down consumer prices, citing USDA data showing a similar quota last year had no meaningful impact on retail prices. What it did do, however, was line the pockets of politically connected importers while sidelining hard-working farmers in regions like Mwea, Ahero, and Bura where harvesting is actively underway.
“This policy benefits foreign exporters and politically connected elites, not Kenyan taxpayers or producers,” the statement continues. “It creates jobs abroad, enriches a few insiders, and destroys Kenyan livelihoods.”
Kenya currently produces only 300,000 of the one million tons of rice it consumes annually. But, according to Ogolla, the country has the capacity to exceed 1.5 million tons with proper investment. Instead of tapping into that potential, the government is bypassing local stakeholders, undermining food security, and draining vital foreign exchange reserves.
This is not just about economics, Ogolla insistsit’s about sovereignty, dignity, and survival. “Death is not only by the bullet. More painful and widespread death can be achieved by policies against food security, healthcare, education, and national security,” he warns.
Team Evolve is calling for the immediate cancellation of the duty-free import quota, reinstatement of tariffs, and a full-scale investment into Kenya’s agricultural sector. “Kenya must EVOLVE from a consumption economy to a production economy,” Prof. Ogolla urges. “The wheels of the economy must move—now, not in 2027. NOW.”
