The Kenyan government is set to launch a state-of-the-art rice seed production facility in Mwea, Kirinyaga County. The Sh51.6 million ($400,000) project is a collaborative initiative between the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO) and the Korea Partnership for Innovations of Agriculture.
The facility is designed to enhance local rice production by providing farmers with access to affordable, certified seeds. According to Dr. Ruth Musila, the Director of KALRO Mwea Centre, the project marks a transformative move for the local rice industry. “The objective is to create a sustainable and affordable system for rice seeds,” she said. “This will enable farmers to access certified seeds easily and at a lower cost.”
Equipped with modern machinery such as tractors, levelers, and sprayers, the facility will streamline rice seed production through mechanization, reducing labor and production costs for farmers. It will also house a storage unit capable of holding 1,000 tonnes of certified seeds, along with dryers and processing units to ensure quality standards before distribution.
Currently, rice farmers pay up to Sh160 for a kilogram of certified seed. With the new facility, the cost is expected to drop to between Sh100 and Sh120, easing the financial burden on smallholder farmers.
Beyond seed production, the initiative includes training programs aimed at both seed growers and commercial paddy rice farmers. These programs will equip farmers with modern agricultural practices to improve yields and boost the overall quality of rice produced locally.
“This is not just about seeds,” Dr. Musila added. “It’s about equipping farmers with the knowledge and tools to thrive in rice production.”
The project is a crucial component of the government’s broader strategy to reduce rice imports, enhance food security, and empower local communities through improved agricultural productivity. The Mwea facility is expected to become a model for similar initiatives across the country.
