Kenya’s Milimani High Court has ordered the temporary release of duty-free rice imports, issuing an interim directive aimed at easing food supply constraints as the country grapples with rising living costs.

The ruling, delivered in January 2026, instructs customs and port authorities to allow the clearance of rice consignments that had been held despite approval for duty-free entry under a government import programme. The court cited urgent public interest and food security concerns in granting the order.

Conflicting Court Directions

The Milimani decision follows conflicting judicial directions issued earlier in the month by another High Court sitting in Kerugoya, which had restricted or barred the clearance of some consignments linked to a legal challenge against the government’s import framework.

The overlapping orders created temporary uncertainty at key entry points, including Mombasa’s Kilindini Port, where traders reported delays and administrative confusion. The Nairobi ruling effectively prioritized immediate food access while the underlying legal dispute remains unresolved.

Interim Measure, Not Final Ruling

Legal sources note that the Milimani order is interim in nature, issued pending a full hearing of the petition challenging the legality and implementation of the duty-free import scheme. A substantive determination is expected in February 2026.

The case stems from disputes surrounding a 2025 Gazette Notice authorizing the importation of up to 500,000 metric tonnes of duty-free rice, a policy introduced to stabilize domestic prices amid supply shortages.

Cost-of-Living Pressures

Rice remains a key staple for millions of Kenyan households. Price increases over recent months have been driven by inflation, currency pressures, and supply disruptions, intensifying the broader cost-of-living crisis affecting food, fuel, and transport.

The court acknowledged that prolonged delays in releasing approved imports risked exacerbating hardship for consumers, particularly in urban areas.

Government and Market Response

As of publication, authorities had not announced a detailed timeline for when the released consignments would reach retail markets. Traders expect the additional supply to moderate prices, though analysts caution that the impact may be gradual.

Observers also stress that while judicial intervention may offer short-term relief, long-term food security will depend on consistent policy implementation, domestic production support, and regulatory clarity.