The Ahero Rice Mill, located in Nyando Sub-County, Kisumu County, is set to commence commercial operations following a collaboration between the National Irrigation Authority (NIA), Kisumu County, and Upland Crop Company, a private investor. The rice milling facility, constructed at a cost of Sh30 million by the Kisumu County government, represents a significant step toward revitalizing rice processing in the region. This initiative is aligned with efforts to boost local agricultural production, promote food security, and foster socio-economic development.
The Ahero Rice Milling Plant will be managed by Upland Crop Company under a lease agreement signed between the parties. This partnership is designed to enhance the commercial viability of the facility by leveraging private sector capital and expertise to ensure the mill’s profitability and sustainability. The plant is expected to serve as a vital resource for small- and medium-scale rice growers within Western Kenya’s irrigation schemes, providing them with access to modern processing infrastructure and better market opportunities.
Kisumu County has long been a key player in rice production, particularly in the Ahero region, which benefits from extensive irrigation schemes. However, the lack of modern milling facilities has historically hampered the commercialization of local rice production. Most of the rice harvested in the area has been sold as unmilled paddy, with limited value addition, resulting in lower income for farmers. The establishment of the new rice mill is seen as a major step toward addressing this issue by providing a facility capable of processing and packaging high-quality rice for the market.
The Ahero Rice Mill boasts a processing capacity of 2.5 metric tons per hour, which translates to approximately 60 tons of rice per day. This modern facility features multi-stage milling technology that allows for sorting, grading, and packing, ensuring high-quality rice with minimal breakage and impurities. The plant’s advanced processing capabilities will not only improve the quality of locally produced rice but also increase its competitiveness in regional and national markets.
In addition to the improvements in rice quality, the Ahero Rice Mill is expected to have a significant impact on the local economy. By providing a reliable and profitable market for rice farmers, the facility will create job opportunities and stimulate economic activity in the surrounding communities. Furthermore, the mill’s operations will drive the demand for rice-related inputs and services, such as fertilizers, pesticides, and packaging materials, further benefiting the local economy.
The establishment of the Ahero Rice Milling Plant also supports the national agenda for food security and economic transformation. The facility is expected to help reduce Kenya’s rice deficit, which has been a challenge for the country, as domestic production has not been sufficient to meet the growing demand. With the support of this modern milling plant, Kisumu County’s rice production could play a pivotal role in meeting national consumption needs and reducing reliance on imported rice.
As part of the broader vision for agricultural transformation in Kisumu County, the Ahero Rice Mill is an important component of the county government’s plan to drive socio-economic development through agriculture. Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o has highlighted the critical role that agriculture plays in the region’s economic growth, and the rice mill is a key part of that strategy. It not only promises to boost local rice production but also empowers farmers by providing them with better access to markets and value addition opportunities.
The successful operation of the Ahero Rice Mill could set a precedent for similar initiatives across other agricultural regions in Kenya. It serves as an example of how public-private partnerships can effectively address infrastructure gaps, enhance agricultural productivity, and contribute to the achievement of food security and economic development goals.
