Production and marketing of rice in Kenya: Challenges and opportunities

Rice farming remains an important concern in Kenya due to its positive impact on increasing household food security, raising farmer’s income as well as reducing risks in the years of poor weather conditions. Currently, the demand for rice in Kenya outstrips its production, a gap that is filled through imports. Thus, increasing rice production and productivity in Kenya requires a number of measures to be put in place such as providing improved rice varieties that are attractive to farmers and consumers, and technical support to both public and private sectors which may inform on a wide range of policy issues such as promoting investment, land and water use management, market and pricing information and extension services. In order to integrate, promote and upgrade the existing rice agribusinesses in the country; there is need for the rice entrepreneurs to have easy access to financial services that will provide sustainable affordable funds. The possible factors that constrain the rice sub-sector trading include low production, high competition from cheap rice imports, changing consumer preferences and government policy restrictions. Bearing in mind such limitations, there still exists a significant market opportunity in the sector and with the right support either from government or donor funding, Kenya’s rice demand can be met.   Key words: Rice, production, imports, marketing, Kenya.