National Rice Conference 2026

The National Rice Conference 2026 aims to transform Kenya's rice industry by creating awareness, attracting investment, and increasing market access. The Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA), through its Food Crops Directorate, organizes the conference.

Why Rice Matters

Rice is one of Kenya's strategic food security crops and the third most consumed staple after maize and wheat. It contributes to household food security, income generation, employment, agro-processing, and economic growth.

National demand stands at 1.2 million metric tonnes, but domestic milled production is only 182,030 metric tonnes. This 85% deficit drove KES 23.7 billion in rice imports (582,500 metric tonnes) in 2025.

Conference Purpose

The conference gives rice value chain actors a platform to address emerging constraints, showcase innovations, attract investment, and strengthen partnerships for sustainable sector transformation.

Conference Objectives

1. Evaluate Value Chain Performance Assess the status and performance of the rice value chain to inform priorities and interventions.

2. Boost Production and Productivity Promote improved rice production technologies, Good Agricultural Practices, and climate-smart agriculture.

3. Strengthen Market Linkages Build structured links among farmers, aggregators, processors, and institutional buyers to improve market access and farmer profitability.

4. Strengthen Stakeholder Collaboration Deepen coordination among government institutions, county governments, farmers, researchers, training institutions, the private sector, and development partners.

5. Facilitate Knowledge Sharing Share knowledge on production, post-harvest management, processing, value addition, and quality improvement.

6. Shape Policy and Regulation Deliberate on policy, regulatory, and institutional measures that support sustainable development and competitiveness.

Thematic Areas

1. Sustainable Rice Production and Productivity Quality inputs, improved seed systems, Good Agricultural Practices, climate-smart agriculture, irrigation and water management.

2. Post-Harvest Management Timely harvesting, aggregation, storage, and milling.

3. Market Access Cooperative structures, value addition, and trade policies.

4. Investment and Financing Strategic value chain investment and financing for increased returns.

5. Inclusive Participation Gender mainstreaming and the role of youth and women.

6. Digitalization and Innovation Digital tools for rice farmers, data-driven farming, and innovation across rice value chains.

Who Should Attend

• Rice farmers and producer groups

• Aggregators, millers, and processors

• Institutional buyers and traders

• Input suppliers and seed companies

• Researchers and training institutions

• County and national government officials

• Development partners and investors

• Youth and women in agribusiness

• Digital agriculture and agritech providers

Event Details

• Event: National Rice Conference 2026

• Organizer: Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA), Food Crops Directorate

• Focus: Rice value chain transformation, production, market access, investment, digital innovation

• Country: Kenya

Check the official AFA channels for dates, venue, registration, and the full programme.