The Kenyan government is seeking a multi-billion shilling partnership with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) to expand rice production and enhance food security. This was revealed during a high-level visit to the Ahero Irrigation Scheme in Kisumu County by JICA President Dr. Akihiko Tanaka.
The proposed collaboration will focus on rehabilitating and expanding existing irrigation schemes in Western Kenya. Charles Muasya, CEO of the National Irrigation Authority (NIA), said the plan includes extending coverage in the Ahero and West Kano schemes, and opening up an additional 56,000 acres under the Lower Kuja Irrigation Scheme in Migori County.
Muasya detailed the financial scope of the proposed works, estimating costs at Ksh 2.6 billion for Lower Kuja, Ksh 2.1 billion for West Kano, and Ksh 1.9 billion for the Kisumu Cluster. At Ahero, which currently produces 6,930 metric tonnes of rice annually, an extra 800 acres have been identified for expansion at a cost of Ksh 550 million.
He emphasized the urgency of repairing aging infrastructure and modernising the scheme’s pumping station, including solarization to cut electricity costs. Combined with the introduction of four new high-yield rice varieties by the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organisation (KALRO), the expansion could increase Ahero’s output to 10,820 metric tonnes in the short term.
Principal Secretary in the State Department for Irrigation, Ephantus Kimotho, said Kenya’s rice consumption currently stands at 1.1 million metric tonnes per year, while local production is only 293,000 metric tonnes. He underscored the importance of reducing this deficit through strategic investments.
Kimotho also highlighted the potential of the planned Koru-Soin multipurpose dam to support a further 30,000-acre expansion in Ahero, potentially raising output to 52,000 metric tonnes annually.
Dr. Tanaka lauded Kenya’s focus on rice production and pledged JICA’s support through technical assistance, infrastructure funding, and capacity building. However, he stressed the importance of accountability and efficient resource use to ensure maximum impact.
