Farmers from the Thiba, Wamumu, Tebere, Nguka and Jua Kali sections, led by Pius Njogu, Zachary Gakono, Wangechi Maina and Paul Mugo, say imported rice has significantly reduced demand for their produce, particularly the aromatic Pishori variety grown in the region.
“We are now selling unmilled Pishori rice at Ksh 80 per kilogram instead of Ksh 100,” said Paul Mugo. “We harvested our rice last year and expected payment from the Mwea Rice Growers Multipurpose Cooperative Society (MRGM) by May 2026, but our produce has not been bought due to the influx of imported rice.”
Pius Njogu, a farmer in Thiba, Tebere and Cumbiri, said many parents are worried about paying school fees after the holidays due to a lack of buyers.
“Buyers prefer imported rice, which has flooded the market. We are giving the government two weeks to intervene. If nothing is done, we will close our businesses and block the Mwea–Embu highway until officials come in person,” Njogu said.
He also accused local leaders of neglecting the region’s concerns. “Our county leaders are not from Mwea — they focus on coffee and tea and have abandoned us,” he added.
Wangechi Maina, a rice trader in Ngurubani, said traders are struggling as they are undercut by cheaper imported rice. She noted that many customers are opting for the lower-priced imports, leaving local traders with unsold stock.
“It is the worst time for us,” said one trader, who suspected the government had imported large quantities of rice, attracting customers due to lower prices.
Maina said she was unable to sell 10 bags of paddy rice sourced from Thiba to raise school fees. “Millers told me they are not buying because they still have stock purchased last week. I’m going home with my rice,” she said.
Simon Munene also reported failing to sell his produce. “I wanted to sell the rice to buy fertilizer for the off-season crop, but I have nowhere to take it,” he said.
Rice buyers at Mwea stores say they are also feeling the impact. “We were selling Pishori white rice at Ksh 180 per kilogram, but now it’s going for Ksh 160,” said Anne Murimi. “Paddy Pishori rice that we bought at Ksh 90 per kilogram is now at Ksh 80,” added Stephen Muriithi at Ngurubani stores.
Farmers have accused the government of importing rice before purchasing local produce, questioning whether the move is undermining Mwea rice farming and warning that the situation has left them in a dire state.
