The Sh1 billion allocation will be transferred to the Kenya National Trading Corporation (KNTC) so it can buy cereals harvested later this year, beginning with rice grown in the Mwea Irrigation Scheme and other rice‑producing regions across the country.
Kindiki stressed that the government will not permit rice imports until all domestically grown rice from Mwea, Kirinyaga County and other rice‑growing areas has been off‑taken, ensuring that local farmers receive a guaranteed market for their harvests.
Officials expect the pledge to create a ready demand for Kenyan rice, bolster the nation’s strategic food reserves and reduce the competitive pressure from imported grain, thereby supporting higher farmgate prices.
In addition to the rice initiative, Kindiki reaffirmed the administration’s broader agricultural agenda, which includes policies to sustain higher returns for key commodities such as coffee, milk and tea.
During his visit to Mwea Constituency, the Deputy President inspected the near‑completion of the Kangiciri‑Karira Hospital‑Ngurubani road, part of a 65‑kilometre transport corridor linking Kirinyaga Central, Ndia and Mwea constituencies, and noted that Kirinyaga County has been allocated Sh37 billion for the construction of roughly 500 kilometres of roads.
Kindiki also opened the new Mwea Huduma Centre, which will house a Jitume ICT Hub to provide digital‑skills training and online‑job opportunities for young people, and announced a Sh500 million County Aggregation and Industrial Park to be co‑funded by national and county governments.
Further infrastructure commitments include an additional Sh300 million to expand electricity connectivity in Mwea and plans to extend the Makutano‑Mwea‑Embu‑Chuka‑Meru‑Maua highway, projects intended to improve regional transport and economic integration.
Linking these development efforts to the upcoming general election, Kindiki warned that Kenyans will judge the government by its delivery record, urging political opponents to focus on their own performance rather than engage in personal attacks.