Siaya County is witnessing a major agricultural and economic transformation following the operationalization of the Siriwo Rice Mill in Alego Usonga, a flagship project that is rapidly turning the region into a rice production powerhouse.
In a detailed update shared on his social media platforms, Siaya Governor James Orengo said the project has become a key driver of regional development, anchored on the establishment of the 200-acre Lower Nzoia Block 12 Irrigation Scheme.
According to Orengo, the initiative has already created more than 2,000 direct and indirect job opportunities, with many of the beneficiaries being local youth engaged in farming, processing, and logistics.
From Irrigation Fields to Supermarket Shelves
What started as an irrigation-driven agricultural intervention has now evolved into a full value chain system. The Siriwo Rice Mill is not only supporting farmers but also processing and packaging rice for the commercial market.
Siriwo Rice is now available on supermarket shelves and retail outlets across the region, marking a major milestone for local production and branding.
The governor noted that the project is helping reduce reliance on imported rice while boosting local farmer incomes.
Modern Milling, Stronger Value Chain
The facility is equipped with modern drying floors and expanded storage infrastructure aimed at improving post-harvest handling and reducing losses.
With a processing capacity of 2.5 tonnes per day, the mill ensures a steady supply chain supported by continuous paddy production from surrounding irrigation blocks.
This consistency has been key in stabilizing both production and market supply.
Youth at the Center of Transformation
A major highlight of the project is its impact on youth employment. Many young people in Usonga Ward have found work within the rice value chain, from cultivation to processing and distribution.
Local leaders say the initiative has transformed Usonga into a growing rice belt, offering new economic opportunities in a region previously constrained by limited agricultural infrastructure.
Food Security and Long-Term Growth
Governor Orengo reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening agriculture through continued investment and budgetary support.
He emphasized that irrigation and value addition remain central pillars of Siaya’s development agenda and Kenya’s broader food security strategy.
“We remain committed to prioritizing and allocating the necessary resources to sustain and expand this vital sector,” Orengo said.
As the Siriwo Rice project continues to scale, Siaya County is positioning itself as a key player in Kenya’s agricultural transformation—linking food production, job creation, and rural industrialization into a single growth story.
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