Govt Warns of Looming Food Crisis as Rice Stocks Plummet
Kenya is staring at a potential food crisis as rice stocks sink to alarming levels.
Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe has warned that the situation could spiral into nationwide hunger if swift action is not taken.
Numbers Paint a Grim Picture
In an affidavit to the High Court, CS Kagwe revealed that the country has only 20,000 50kg bags of rice in reserve.
This is a fraction of the 350,000 bags needed to meet demand in key government institutions.
“Failure to import rice under the current shortfall would lead to either acute food scarcity or a sharp spike in prices,” Kagwe stated.
Ripple Effect Across Staple Foods
The CS stressed that rice demand is soaring. By 2025, Kenyans are expected to consume 29 kilograms per person.
“This would create a domino effect on the cost of living and place an unsustainable burden on millions of Kenyan households,” he warned.
If the gap is not filled, prices for maize flour, wheat, and other staples could also skyrocket.
KEBS officials impound 15,000kg of contaminated rice in Embakasi, Nairobi November 6, 2024.
Court Halts Urgent Importation
The crisis deepened on Wednesday, August 13, when the High Court blocked the government from importing 500,000 metric tonnes of rice.
The Farmers Party had petitioned against the move, arguing it could devastate local farmers and cripple the agricultural sector.
“We are not against food security, but uncontrolled importation kills local production,” the petitioner argued.
Govt Defends Import Strategy
CS Kagwe dismissed fears of harming local farmers, saying rice importation has always been part of Kenya’s food security plan.
“Importation is a longstanding practice to stabilise food supply. It does not replace support for our local producers,” Kagwe explained.
He cautioned that without the imports, Kenya risks shortages severe enough to cause unrest.
Tough Decisions Ahead
The standoff now leaves the government racing against time. With stocks dwindling and court orders in place, finding a middle ground is urgent.https://www.kenyans.co.ke/news/115252-govt-warns-looming-food-crisis-amid-critically-low-rice-stocks
Kenya’s food security now hangs in the balance, with millions potentially facing higher prices and empty plates in the months ahead.
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Govt Warns of Looming Food Crisis as Rice Stocks Plummet
