Once completed, the plant will enable farmers to produce high-quality rice that meets consumer standards and preferences.
Rice factories also produce by-products such as rice bran and rice husks that can be used as feed or fuel.
Ericsson Kyong'o, head of the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Irrigation, said the ministry is also helping farmers produce high-quality grain and reduce post-harvest losses.
“We also want to reduce post-harvest losses, eliminate predatory cartels and increase farmers' incomes,” he said.
The Food and Agriculture Organization says an estimated 10 to 15 percent of rice is lost during post-harvest operations in developing countries.
Losses are believed to be due to improper handling, storage, transportation, pests, disease, weather, etc., among others.
Kyong'o said rice cultivation needs to be expanded from the current 14,000 acres to 36,000 acres to improve production, sustain the market and increase income.
Kenya produces at least 200,000 tonnes of rice annually, which accounts for half of its consumption demand.
This means there is a deficit of 500,000 to 600,000 tons.
The deficit will be offset mainly by imports from Pakistan, Thailand, India and Vietnam.
To narrow the supply gap, the country needs at least 450,000 acres of productive land to be food secure.
