Nyong’o Commissions Rice Mill in Ahero to Boost Farmer Incomes and Food Security

Kenya, 29 November 2025 - Kisumu Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o has commissioned a new KSh 30 million, 2.5-metric-tonne-per-hour multistage rice mill at the Ahero National Irrigation Authority, marking a significant milestone in the county’s drive to modernise agriculture, strengthen food security, and increase farmer earnings.

Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, Governor Nyong’o described the mill as a strategic investment that will transform Ahero from a primary production zone into a value-addition hub.

He said the new plant would improve milling efficiency, reduce post-harvest losses, raise rice quality, and enhance the competitiveness of Kisumu rice in both domestic and international markets.

The facility is also expected to create new opportunities for youth across the rice value chain, from aggregation and branding to processing and distribution.

“Ahero has long been the food basket of our region. This rice mill is a catalyst for economic growth and a symbol of what is possible when vision meets action,” Prof Nyong'o said.

He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting farmers through improved extension services, access to credit, modernised irrigation systems, and the expansion of processing and market infrastructure.

Minister Recalls Journey

County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Agriculture, Irrigation, Livestock, Fisheries, and the Blue Economy, Kenneth Onyango, recounted the plant’s origins, noting that the idea was conceived in 2019 after hailstones destroyed crops in the region.

The devastation prompted the county to invest in a modern mill that would help farmers recover and build resilience.

Mr Onyango urged farmers to bypass middlemen and sell directly through structured channels, assuring them that the new facility would mill, package, and deliver Kisumu rice straight to supermarkets nationwide.

To further support producers, he announced the rollout of an e-voucher farm input subsidy programme under which the county will cover 60% of rice seed costs.