{
  "id": 8245255,
  "title": "DP Kindiki Pledges Sh1bn to Buy Local Rice Before Imports",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/18/dp-kindiki-pledges-sh1bn-to-buy-local-rice-before-imports",
  "topic": "business",
  "section": "Business",
  "published": "2026-09-18T12:37:45.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Capital FM Kenya",
    "slug": "capital-fm-kenya",
    "url": "https://capitalfm.africa/dp-kindiki-pledges-sh1bn-to-buy-local-rice-before-imports/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Nairobi, Kenya — Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has committed Sh1 billion to the Kenya National Trading Corporation (KNTC) to purchase locally produced rice, stating the government will prioritize domestic supplies over imports. Kindiki emphasized that rice farmers in Mwea and other rice-growing regions will have their produce bought before foreign rice enters the country. Speaking at an inspection of development projects in Mwea Constituency, Kindiki assured that the allocation would enable KNTC to purchase locally grown rice when harvests peak later this year. He highlighted the government's commitment to supporting agricultural commodities such as coffee, milk, and tea. The Deputy President also inaugurated the Mwea Huduma Centre and pledged additional funding for electricity connections and road improvements in the area. Kindiki vowed to focus on development during his tenure, challenging opponents to showcase their own development records ahead of the 2027 General Election.",
  "summary": "Kindiki said the government would ensure rice farmers in Mwea, Kirinyaga County, and other rice-growing regions have their produce bought before foreign rice is allowed into the country.",
  "key_points": [
    "Deputy President Kithure Kindiki pledges Sh1 billion to KNTC for local rice purchases.",
    "Kindiki assures government will prioritize domestic rice supplies over imports.",
    "Mwea rice farmers to have produce bought before foreign rice enters Kenya."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}