Kisumu to Boost Rice Production with New Milling Machine

KISUMU – The Kenyan government is set to enhance rice production in the Lake region by installing a modern rice milling machine at the Lake Victoria Basin Authority (LBDA) Rice Mill Complex in Kisumu. This development is aimed at increasing the paddy processing capacity in the area, with the installation expected to be completed within three weeks, followed by a commissioning ceremony led by President Dr. William Ruto.

According to Kenya News Agency, East Africa Community and Regional Development Cabinet Secretary (CS) Penninah Malonza, who recently assessed the progress of the installation, the new milling machine will have the capacity to process 4 tons of rice per hour. This marks a significant improvement over the old machine, which had seen its capacity diminish from an initial 3.5 tons per hour to just 0.8 tons per hour. Malonza highlighted the struggles faced by the community due to the inefficiency of the previous machine and expressed optimism that the new equipment will ensure efficient, timely, and clean processing of paddy, benefiting local farmers and the regional economy.

The upgrade is expected to prevent local farmers, particularly those in Ahero, from selling their produce at low prices, thereby stimulating economic growth within the region. The installation of the milling machine, which was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, is anticipated to not only boost rice production but also generate revenue for the LBDA.

Established in 1989, the LBDA Rice Mill Complex serves as a subsidiary of the Lake Victoria Basin Authority, with a mission to undertake various business enterprises to enhance income generation and reduce dependency on government funding. Malonza emphasized the government’s vision for Regional Development Agencies (RDAs) like LBDA to achieve sustainability and manage their operations independently, including salary payments.

The initiative was detailed during Malonza’s visit, which was also attended by Regional Development Principal Secretary (PS) Harsama Kello, LBDA Chairman James Diang’a, and LBDA Managing Director (MD) Wycliffe Ochiaga.