Kenyan delegation visits India for rice collaboration

A Kenyan delegation, led by Ephantus Kimotho, the Principal Secretary for Irrigation, recently visited India to explore partnerships with two private companies, Pattabhi Agro Foods Private Limited and United Port Services Private Limited. The goal is to develop an integrated rice production and processing system in Kenya, focusing on a large area in the Bura Irrigation Scheme in Tana River county.

Exploring India's rice processing model

During the visit, the delegation examined Pattabhi Agro Foods’ integrated rice processing model, which handles 200–300 tonnes of paddy rice daily. This model extracts value from all parts of the rice production process, creating by-products such as rice bran, broken rice, and rice husks, which are used for oil refining, animal feed, and biomass fuel.

Potential job creation and economic impact

This approach could generate more than 2,000 jobs across various sectors, including farming, processing, logistics, and distribution. Kenya aims to replicate this model to develop 35,000 acres in the Bura Irrigation Scheme into a large-scale rice production hub, which would also help reduce post-harvest losses and strengthen local manufacturing.

Kenya's rice production and consumption gap

Kenya currently produces between 160,000 and 180,000 tonnes of milled rice annually, but its consumption is around 950,000 tonnes. This significant gap has led to high rice imports, with Kenya importing 785,000 tonnes of milled rice valued at 425 million USD in 2025, according to data from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).

India's role in the rice market

India is the world's largest producer and exporter of rice, with an estimated milled rice production of 152 million tonnes for the 2025/2026 campaign. Pattabhi Agro Foods, which holds 10% of the Indian market for non-basmati rice exports, could contribute its expertise to Kenya’s rice industry if the partnership is realized.

Challenges ahead for the partnership

The success of the proposed collaboration will depend on factors such as securing investments, ensuring a reliable water supply, and making locally produced rice competitive in the market. No formal investment decision has yet been made.