NAIROBI – The High Court has temporarily blocked the government from implementing a Cabinet decision authorising the duty-free importation of 500,000 metric tonnes of rice.
Justice Edward M. Muriithi on Monday issued a conservatory order suspending the directive by the Cabinet Secretary, which had been published in Gazette Notice No. 10353 on July 28, 2025.
The decision followed the court’s certification as urgent of a Notice of Motion filed on August 7, 2025, seeking to stop the imports. The application is scheduled for hearing on August 14, 2025.
“Conservatory order is issued in terms of prayer No. 2 of the Notice of Motion pending hearing of the application,” Justice Muriithi directed.
The ruling means the contested rice imports cannot proceed until the court hears and determines the application next week.
