In Mwea, Kirinyaga County, time is proving to be a crucial factor in the transformation of rice farming. The introduction of the high-yielding and drought-resistant CIL Komboka rice variety by Capwell Industries has significantly improved farmers’ fortunes in just two seasons. As the demand for locally grown rice rises, the time-sensitive nature of rice farming has made the availability of high-quality seeds, timely planting, and structured market support more critical than ever.
Ephantus Kariuki, a rice farmer in Mwea, is among those reaping the benefits of adopting the CIL Komboka variety. With an impressive yield of up to seven tonnes per acre almost double that of traditional varieties like Pishori Kariuki’s farm is producing rice at an unprecedented rate.
“On just one acre, I can harvest as many as 55 bags, compared to 25 bags of Pishori, which sometimes yields even less than 18 bags,” Kariuki said. “With a price of Sh7,000 per bag, my returns from CIL Komboka are significantly higher than from Pishori.”
The rapid adoption of Komboka rice is fueled by Capwell Industries’ proactive approach in supporting farmers. By providing high-quality seeds, training on best practices, and guaranteed market prices, the company has reduced the risks associated with rice farming. The time-sensitive nature of planting, managing, and harvesting is streamlined, ensuring consistent productivity for contracted farmers.
Caroline Wamarwa, another Mwea farmer, highlighted how quickly the market is embracing this new variety. “When we started farming Komboka rice just a season ago, it wasn’t well known. But now, demand is rising,” she said. “Its high yields and ability to thrive in diverse conditions make it an attractive choice for farmers.”
Kenya currently imports over 800,000 metric tonnes of rice annually, creating a pressing need for increased local production. Capwell Industries CEO Rajan Shah believes that scaling up Komboka rice cultivation could significantly bridge this gap. He anticipates that Kenya’s annual rice output could increase by an additional 600 tonnes in the short term.
“We’ve been working directly with rice farmers through contract farming. We provide them with the resources and a guaranteed offtake at fixed prices,” Shah said. “With strategic investments, we can reduce our 80% rice production shortfall and eventually achieve self-sufficiency.”
As time shapes the evolution of rice farming in Kenya, continued investment in sustainable agricultural practices will be key to securing the country’s food future. The rapid growth of Komboka rice is proof that timely interventions in agriculture can yield immense benefits for both farmers and consumers alike.
