In a bid to strengthen local agriculture and ease long-standing frustrations, Mwea rice farmers are poised for a financial breakthrough following a new agreement with the government that promises quicker payments and better market access.
The government, through the Kenya National Trading Corporation (KNTC), has committed to purchasing over 5,000 metric tonnes of locally grown rice at an estimated value of KSh 500 million. What’s more, farmers have been assured they will be paid within 30 days of delivery, a major shift from previous delays that often left them cash-strapped.
“This is a game-changer for over 8,500 rice farmers in Kirinyaga and surrounding counties,” said Bruno Linyiru, Director-General of the Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA). “We are securing livelihoods by ensuring prompt payment and reducing the financial uncertainty that has plagued this sector for years.”
The deal was struck during a meeting between the Mwea Rice Growers Multipurpose Cooperative Society and officials from the Ministry of Agriculture. Central to the talks were farmers’ complaints over the growing dominance of imported rice, which continues to undercut local prices and stall market demand for homegrown varieties.
While the government reaffirmed its support for local producers, it acknowledged that imports will still be necessary to fill the national rice supply gap. Kenya consumes roughly 100,000 metric tonnes of rice monthly, yet production during the 2024/2025 season yielded only 191,000 tonnes barely enough to meet demand for two months.
Despite this, the government maintains that the new procurement plan is a critical step toward improving the competitiveness of Kenyan rice and building a more self-reliant agricultural economy.
For the farmers of Mwea, it’s a long-overdue lifeline and a sign that, perhaps, local produce is finally beginning to get the recognition and support it deserves.
