KENYA – Kenya is setting ambitious targets to cut rice imports by 50% within the next five years, as part of a broader strategy to boost local production and enhance food security.
Speaking at the 6th Korea-Africa Food & Agriculture Cooperation Initiative (KAFACI) General Assembly in Nairobi, Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Andrew Karanja outlined the government’s commitment to increasing domestic rice output through the adoption of high-yielding varieties and modern farming technologies.
Kenya currently imports approximately 800,000 metric tonnes of rice annually, while local production remains between 150,000 and 200,000 tonnes.
This significant gap has strained government resources, with substantial funds allocated to cover rice import costs.
“This has continued to strain the government as every year substantial resources have to be committed to bridge the gap,” Karanja said.
The government’s strategy includes embracing new rice varieties developed through international collaborations, such as those with South Korea under the KAFACI framework.
KAFACI has been instrumental in developing 26 high-yield and high-quality rice varieties adaptable to various African environments, offering a promising avenue for Kenya to improve its rice production capabilities.
“We have rice as one of our prime value chains, and Korea has technology on rice and its varieties that our farmers can adopt,” Karanja noted, emphasizing the importance of technological and scientific support in achieving Kenya’s production goals.
The government is also fast-tracking a food diversity approach to encourage Kenyans to incorporate a wider variety of locally grown foods into their diets, reducing reliance on imported staples.
Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO) Director General, Eliud Kireger, highlighted the potential impact of the KAFACI partnership, which will see Kenya benefit from a portion of a KES 6.4 billion (US$50 million) program being rolled out in 37 African countries over the next five years.
Kenya specifically stands to receive KES 30 million for the distribution of new rice varieties.
“We expect to increase our productivity in the next five years and cut imports by about 50%,” Kireger stressed.
The lack of mechanization is a significant challenge facing Kenyan rice farmers, particularly in regions like Mwea and Ahero.
Kireger pointed out that Korea’s advanced mechanization technologies are being tapped to improve rice production in Kenya.
“Our consumption stands at 100,000 tonnes, but we are producing about 200,000 tonnes,” he said, emphasizing rice as a strategic crop for food security and income generation.
With the current demand per individual at 20.6 kilograms annually, KALRO projects that Kenya’s rice production will grow from 180,000 tonnes in 2020 to 520,000 tonnes by 2030, aiming to bridge the production gap and enhance food security in the region.
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