Rice production in Kenya rises by 59% as irrigation projects expand
Kenya’s rice production increased from 192,000 tonnes in 2022 to 305,000 tonnes in 2025, driven by expanded irrigation, improved infrastructure and government investment. Despite the 59% growth, the country continues to rely on imports, with further irrigation projects and dam construction aimed at strengthening food security and boosting domestic rice output.
Kenya’s rice production has grown significantly over the past three years, with official government data showing output increased from approximately 192,000 tonnes in 2022 to 305,000 tonnes in 2025.
The increase represents a 59 per cent rise in production, reflecting expanded irrigation, improved farming infrastructure and increased investment in the country’s food security programme.
Rice remains one of Kenya’s most consumed staple foods, yet local production has historically fallen short of national demand, forcing the country to rely heavily on imports. The latest figures indicate growing efforts to narrow that gap through increased domestic production.
Mwea remains the country’s largest rice-growing hub
A key driver of the production increase has been the continued expansion of the Mwea Irrigation Scheme, Kenya’s largest rice-producing region.
The scheme now covers approximately 35,000 acres under irrigation, enabling farmers to increase production through improved water availability and modern farming practices.
The growth has also transformed the local economy in Kirinyaga County, with Wang’uru Town, popularly known as Kenya’s rice capital, emerging as a major commercial centre. Government estimates place the town’s economy at approximately Sh15 billion, largely supported by rice farming, processing, transport and trade.
The expansion of irrigation infrastructure has allowed farmers to increase acreage under cultivation while improving yields, contributing significantly to national production.
Irrigation programmes reaching more farmers
Beyond Mwea, the government has continued rolling out irrigation programmes in other parts of the country as part of efforts to reduce reliance on rain-fed agriculture.
In the Mount Kenya region alone, state-supported irrigation initiatives have already benefited approximately 8,000 smallholder farmers, helping improve productivity and household incomes.
The government also plans to connect an additional 100,000 farmers nationwide through community irrigation schemes designed to increase agricultural production and strengthen food security.
The expansion is expected to support cultivation in areas previously affected by unreliable rainfall, allowing farmers to produce crops throughout the year.
Investment in dams to support agriculture
To ensure a sustainable water supply for irrigation, the government is investing heavily in water infrastructure.
Among the flagship projects is the construction of 50 priority dams across the country, aimed at improving water storage for agriculture, domestic use and climate resilience.
Officials say the dams will provide reliable water supplies for irrigation schemes while reducing the impact of recurring droughts that have affected agricultural production in recent years.
The projects are also expected to support other sectors, including livestock farming and industrial development, while strengthening long-term water security.
Reducing dependence on rice imports
Despite the increase in local production, Kenya continues to import a significant portion of the rice consumed domestically due to rising demand driven by population growth and changing dietary habits.
Agriculture experts say sustained investment in irrigation, mechanisation, quality seed varieties and post-harvest infrastructure will be critical if the country is to further reduce its reliance on imports.
With production increasing by nearly 60 per cent since 2022, the latest figures suggest Kenya is making steady progress toward improving food security while creating new economic opportunities for farmers, traders and businesses operating across the rice value chain.
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Source : Top News
