By: Emily Mikwa
A wave of economic transformation swept through Ahero as Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o officially commissioned a 2.5 metric tons per hour multistage rice mill.
The event, held today, marked a significant milestone, hailed by the Governor not just as an investment in infrastructure but as a bold strategic investment in the farmers and a commitment to ensuring food security.
In his address, Governor Nyong’o emphasized that the mill represents a crucial shift from subsistence to commercial farming and from primary production to market competitiveness. He highlighted the facility’s role as a catalyst for growth, promising higher milling efficiency, a reduction in post-harvest losses, and improved market value for Ahero’s rice.
This modernization is expected to enable the rice to compete effectively locally and internationally, while simultaneously creating new job opportunities for the youth across the entire value chain.
The Governor assured farmers that the machine belongs to them and pledged continued governmental support, including the provision of extension services, access to credit, timely input provision, and modernized irrigation systems to boost yields.
Governor Nyong’o acknowledged the National Irrigation Authority, Development Partners, Private sector and the County Department of Agriculture for making the vision a reality
The CECM for Agriculture, Irrigation, Livestock, Fisheries, and Blue Economy, Hon, Kenneth Onyango recounted the mill’s journey, which began in 2019 after hailstones devastated crops, leading to the idea of procuring the milling machine.
Hon. Onyango passionately 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 program, which will subsidize rice seeds with the County Government covering 60% of the cost. Additionally, six tractors are ready in Rabuor to offer subsidized ploughing services.
The CECM urged 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.
The commissioning stands as a true reflection of the government’s commitment to transforming agriculture into a profitable, competitive, and technologically driven enterprise.
Also present were Eng. Charles Muasya the managing Director Western Kenya Rice Mills, Eng. Gilbert Maluki Chairperson of the Board Western Kenya Rice Mills,the Sub County Administrators, Mr. Kosore the Deputy County Commissioner Ahero Sub County, Mr. Charles Kakuku County Director Livestock, County officers from the department of agriculture, farmers among other guests.
