Taita Taveta County Aims to Become Kenya’s Leading Rice Producer

Taita Taveta County is making bold strides to establish itself as Kenya’s premier rice-producing region, leveraging strategic partnerships, modern farming technologies, and large-scale irrigation projects to boost production and economic growth.

Strategic Partnerships Drive Rice Sector Growth

In a high-profile meeting today, Deputy Governor Christine Kilalo hosted a delegation from the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organisation (KALRO), led by Director General Dr. Eliud Kireger, to discuss key interventions aimed at transforming rice farming in the county.

The discussions centered on:

  • Provision of certified high-yield rice seeds to enhance productivity.

  • Improved market access for farmers to ensure fair pricing.

  • Reduction of production costs through subsidized inputs and mechanization.

  • Adoption of modern farming technologies, including climate-smart irrigation and precision agriculture.

Dr. Kireger emphasized the need for innovation, stating:
“Embracing technology in rice farming is no longer optional—it is a necessity for increasing yields, reducing post-harvest losses, and ensuring food security. Taita Taveta has the potential to be a national leader in rice production if these strategies are implemented effectively.”

Deputy Governor Kilalo reaffirmed the county’s commitment, highlighting the socio-economic benefits:
“Our goal is not just to increase rice output but to create jobs, empower farmers, and improve livelihoods. With the right support, Taita Taveta can feed the nation and contribute significantly to Kenya’s agricultural GDP.”

Current Rice Production & Future Expansion

Currently, Taveta sub-county has 1,200 hectares under rice cultivation, engaging over 2,000 farmers and producing 7,500 metric tons of the Kwamboka rice variety annually. However, the county has even greater untapped potential.

Key Developments to Watch:

✅ Taita Taveta Rice Milling Plant (80% Complete) – Expected to be operational soon, this facility will reduce post-harvest losses, add value to local rice, and create market linkages.
✅ Expansion into Buruma & Kimorigo – An additional 20,000 hectares in Buruma and 5,000 hectares in Kimorigo are earmarked for rice farming, which could dramatically increase production.
✅ Collaboration with Research Institutions – Partnerships with Taita Taveta University and the China National Rice Research Institute will introduce advanced farming techniques and high-yield seed varieties.

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Stakeholders Rally Behind Taveta’s Rice Revolution

The meeting also included key figures such as:

  • Dr. Felister Makini, KALRO Deputy Director General for Crops

  • Christine Zighe, County Executive Committee Member for Lands

  • Mcharo Mwalugha, Chief Officer for Agriculture

  • Dr. Mwamburi Mcharo, Dean of Agriculture at Taita Taveta University

  • Professor Luo Ju, China National Rice Research Institute

Their collective expertise underscores the national and international confidence in Taita Taveta’s potential to become a rice production powerhouse.

The Road Ahead

With strong political will, research-backed farming methods, and robust infrastructure investments, Taita Taveta is well on its way to claiming the top spot in Kenya’s rice sector. The county’s focus on value addition, youth employment, and sustainable agriculture sets a model for other regions to follow.

As the milling plant nears completion and expansion plans take shape, all eyes are on Taita Taveta to deliver a new era of agricultural prosperity.

Why This Matters:

  • Food Security: Increased rice production reduces Kenya’s reliance on imports.

  • Economic Growth: More jobs and income for farmers and agribusinesses.

  • Technology Adoption: Modern techniques make farming more efficient and climate-resilient.