Ahero rice mill to boost food security, farmers’ earnings

Kisumu Governor Anyang' Nyong'o inside the Ahero’s new multistage rice mill/Faith Matete 

Kisumu Governor Anyang' Nyong'o inside the Ahero’s new multistage rice mill/Faith Matete 

Inside the Ahero’s new multistage rice mill/ Faith Matete 

Ahero’s new multistage rice mill has been officially commissioned, marking a boost to Kisumu county’s food security efforts and promising higher earnings for farmers across the region.

The 2.5-tonne-per-hour facility, unveiled at the Ahero National Irrigation Authority grounds, is expected to transform rice production by shifting the county from basic farming to large-scale value addition.

Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o, who presided over the commissioning, said the modern mill represents a strategic investment that will unlock new opportunities for thousands of rice farmers.

 He described the plant as a turning point for the county’s agricultural sector.

 “This is not just an investment in infrastructure, it is an investment in our farmers, our economy and our shared future,” he said.

 The governor added, “It shows our seriousness in ensuring food security for our people.”

For decades, Ahero has served as the region’s food basket, supported by dedicated farmers and strong partnerships between government agencies and private sector players.

But climate shocks and unpredictable markets have often undermined the full potential of rice farming.

Nyong’o said the new mill now positions Ahero for a transformation from subsistence farming to commercial agriculture and from vulnerability to competitiveness.

The facility is expected to reduce post-harvest losses, improve milling efficiency, and guarantee farmers a modern, reliable processing centre within the production zone.

 It will also enhance the quality and market value of local rice, boosting competitiveness in both local and international markets.

The governor said the project will create new job opportunities, especially for young people, across the rice value chain from aggregation and packaging to logistics and digital services.

He thanked the National Irrigation Authority, county departments, development partners and private sector players for their role in delivering the project, calling it proof of what transparent and accountable leadership can achieve.

Nyong’o reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting farmers through better extension services, access to credit, timely inputs and modernised irrigation systems.

“This investment is yours. Your hard work will now translate into prosperity, stability and dignified livelihoods,” he told them.

The mill aligns with the county’s broader agenda to modernise agriculture, promote value addition, drive agro-industrialisation and guarantee food and nutrition security for all households.

 Calling agriculture a “serious business that rewards innovation and creativity” the governor encouraged young people to tap into opportunities created by the new plant, including agritech, branding, logistics and agro-processing.

 “This mill is only the beginning,” he said, adding that the county will continue expanding processing capacity, strengthening cooperatives and improving storage and transport networks to open new markets.

 Agriculture, Irrigation, Livestock, Fisheries and Blue Economy executive Kenneth Onyango recounted the mill's journey, which began in 2019 after hailstones devastated crops, leading to the idea of procuring the milling machine.

 Onyango appealed to farmers to shun middlemen and brokers, promising that their rice would be milled, packaged and supplied directly to supermarkets in Kenya.

 To solidify support, the department is rolling out an E-voucher farm input programme, which will subsidise rice seeds with the county government covering  60 per cent of the cost.

 Additionally, six tractors are ready in Rabuor to offer subsidised ploughing services.

 The executive called for the revival of cooperatives, describing them as the essential vehicle for accessing government and donor support.

 The investor, Sunil Shah, expressed pride in having fixed the mill within months and requested the governor's support to ensure good income for farmers.

 With a vision to create a bigger market, Sunil requested the rehabilitation of the old mill so that both facilities could operate 24 hours a day.