The High Court in Kerugoya has extended orders barring the government from privatising Mwea Rice mill Company in Kirinyaga County.  

Kerugoya High Court judge Richard Mwongo extended the orders in a case on December 7, 2023 by Pius Njogu Kathuri and John Munene, two rice farmers from Thiba section in Mwea Irrigation Scheme.

In their petition, the two farmers urged the court to bar the government from conducting any public participation in regard to the sale of Mwea Rice Mill, which is among 11 parastatals earmarked for privatisation, until 13th of May 2024 when the case will be mentioned.

Over 100 farmers were in the High Court against the government's plan to privatize the rice mill company.

Mr Njogu and Munene said the Mwea Rice Mill is a liability company jointly owned by the National Irrigation Authority with 55 per cent share and Mwea rice farmers through Mwea Rice Growers Multipurpose Co-operative Society Limited (MRGM) with 45 percent.