Kenya, Korea partner to strengthen local rice seed systems in a bid to cut imports

KENYA – Kenya is stepping up efforts to reduce its heavy dependence on rice imports through a technical partnership between the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organisation (KALRO) and the Government of Korea.

The collaboration is focused on building a robust and sustainable rice seed system to boost local production and enhance food security.

Speaking during a one-day symposium on rice production, KALRO Director General Dr. Eliud Kireger said the partnership is part of Kenya’s broader strategy to bridge the country’s widening rice deficit, with over 80% of consumption currently met through imports.

“Currently, we produce very little rice and import most of what we consume. Kenya imports 80 per cent of the rice to meet the annual demand. In 2024, rice imports were valued at KES 67.9 billion (US$ 524 million),” Dr. Kireger noted.

Through the partnership, KALRO and Korea are focusing on the development and distribution of high-yielding, certified rice seed.

Dr. Kireger said the initiative includes the introduction of superior Korean rice varieties, alongside the establishment of modern seed production and processing infrastructure at KALRO’s Mwea station.

“To increase production, we need to focus on quality certified seed. While we have local varieties, the Koreans have developed high-yielding, high-quality rice types. Seed testing is underway, and the necessary seed cleaning and storage facilities are already in place,”he said.

The goal is to raise national yields from the current 2.5-3 tons per hectare to 4.5-7 tons per hectare.

He revealed that over the next five years, approximately KES 2 billion (US$ 15.4 million) will be invested in research, land development, seed multiplication, and post-harvest handling.

Dr. Ruth Musila, KALRO Mwea Center Director and Principal Investigator of the KALRO-KOPIA project, said three varieties; Ukafaci 39, ISRIZ 6, and ISRIZ 7; have been identified and are undergoing national performance trials, with results expected by early 2026.

“These new varieties are capable of producing up to 7.5 tons per hectare and can thrive in both irrigated and rain-fed conditions. We are currently only meeting 20% of local demand. Our aim is to reach 30% self-sufficiency by the end of the project,” she said.

The partnership is implemented under Korea’s Africa K-Ricebelt initiative, part of the Rice Seed Production Improvement in Africa (RiceSPIA) program led by the Rural Development Administration (RDA) of Korea.

Eunha Yoo, Director of the KOPIA Division at RDA, said the K-Ricebelt aims to establish a harmonized, high-yielding seed system across seven African countries: Kenya, Senegal, Gambia, Guinea, Ghana, Cameroon, and Uganda.

“Starting with 2,000 tons of seed in 2023, we reached 3,562 tons in 2024, surpassing our target. By 2027, we aim to produce and distribute 10,000 tons of rice seed annually across these countries,” Yoo said.

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