The President of the Republic of Kenya, H.E. Dr. William Samoei Ruto, officially commissioned the Siriwo Rice Mill in Usonga Ward on 30th August 2024, boosting the agricultural industry of the region. The project, which was undertaken by the County Government of Siaya at a cost of KSh. 60 million, is the first of its kind in the area.
The installed capacity of milling at this facility is 2.5 metrics ton per hour, and this is likely to cause enhanced investment in the production of rice by the local farmers. Through improving market access and ensuring the creation of employment opportunities for the local people, the mill is poised to bring about dramatic improvements to the standard of living in the region.
Speaking at the ceremony, President Ruto affirmed the government’s preparedness to support the growth of farming in Siaya County. “My government has provided an additional 50 million so that we can invest even more in extra accessories that would make the facility to run like a full-fledged factory,” he proclaimed.
The President also took his time to appreciate the leadership of Siaya County especially led by Governor James Orengo for their central role towards the achievement of this revolutionary project. This additional investment is supposed to make the operations of the mill sustainable hence enhancing its impact in the economy of the country.
While delivering his remarks, the Siaya County Governor, James Orengo affirmed the county’s vision as the rice value chain frontier. He said that the Siriwo Rice Mill is but the initial investment out of a portfolio of projects that will seek to turn Siaya into Kenya’s rice production hub.
Governor Orengo disclosed that in an effort to address the above challenges, there are elaborate plans to invest on activities including pre-production, production, mechanical and post-harvest handling through partnerships with players in the irrigation value chain like Lower Nzoia Irrigation Project and National Irrigation Authority among others. These interventions are aimed toward achieving the overall goal of raising the annual production capacity of rice in the county from the current 50, 000 metric tons to more than 400, 000 metric tons and consequently the commercialization of the rice value chain within the shortest time possible.
This partnership with the National and County Government and other stakeholders demonstrates society’s commitment to transforming the agriculture sector in Siaya. This feat has been associated with the successful commission of Siriwo Rice Mill which has been a milestone toward the realization of this goal thus enhancing the role of county in the Kenyan rice sector.
As these reforms unwinds, the increases in rice production expected will not only feed those in the region but also serve as a catalyst to the food security docket in Kenya thus celebrating Siaya County as a key player in the country’s agriculture transformation.