Rice production increased from about 192,000 tonnes in 2022 to 305,000 tonnes in 2025.

by Hillary Bett

Kenya has recorded a substantial surge in local rice production under the administration of President William Ruto, driven by targeted state interventions in irrigation and infrastructure.

Official government data reveals that national rice production jumped to 305,000 tonnes last year, up from approximately 192,000 tonnes in 2022. This represents a 59 per cent increase in output, underscoring the expanding scale of the country’s agricultural sector.

Central to this growth is the Mwea rice scheme, currently recognised as Kenya’s largest rice scheme.The project now spans 35,000 acres under irrigation, transforming the local economy.

In tandem with this agricultural expansion, Wang’uru, popularly known as Mwea’s rice town, has seen its economic value soar to Sh15 billion.

Beyond the Mwea region, government-led irrigation programs are widening their reach across the country.

In the Mt Kenya region, state-backed irrigation initiatives have already directly benefited 8,000 smallholder farmers.

Looking forward, the state intends to connect an additional 100,000 farmers nationwide through community irrigation networks.

To sustain this upward trajectory and secure the necessary water supply for expanding agricultural fields, the government is focusing heavily on infrastructural development.

The state is currently building 50 priority dams across the country, aiming to provide a reliable foundation for long-term water management and further boost national food production.

Published Date: July 8, 2026