The Kerugoya High Court has extended conservatory orders suspending the planned privatisation of Mwea Rice Mills (MRM) pending the hearing and determination of a case filed by two rice farmers.

In his ruling, Justice Edward Muriithi directed the petitioners to physically serve the Attorney General, the Mwea Rice Growers Multipurpose Cooperative Society Ltd (MRGM), and MRM with court documents before the next mention date.

Farmers Pius Njogu and John Munene, represented by lawyer Ruth Gacungi, moved to court shortly after President William Ruto signed into law nine key bills on October 15, 2025, including the Privatisation Act, 2025, which lists Mwea Rice Mills among state-owned enterprises earmarked for privatisation.

“For the avoidance of doubt, the orders herein granted relate only to the privatisation of the Mwea Rice Mills Limited and not generally against the Privatisation Act, 2025,” the court clarified in its ruling.

Farmers attending the court session welcomed the decision, praising the judiciary for safeguarding their interests as stakeholders in the rice milling sector.

The matter will be mentioned on November 17, 2025.