This archive report was first published on 28 September 2019.
On September 26, 2019, the government suspended operations of Mwea Rice Mills, the largest in Central and East Africa, to pave way for an audit. The move caught off guard 400 traders and farmers who operate at the facility.
The facility sets milling standards and market prices for rice, and its closure has left many wondering about the impact on the rice industry. The decision to suspend operations was communicated to the traders by the area National Irrigation Board scheme manager Innocent Ariemba and the Mwea East Sub-County Deputy Commissioner Fredrick Ayieko.
According to Mr. Ariemba, the audit is a normal government undertaking that aims to streamline operations and resolve outstanding issues. He assured traders that the audit will not result in any loss of occupation and that they will be able to resume business once the audit is complete.
MP Kabinga Wachira also addressed the traders, assuring them that the audit will help resolve issues such as the lack of receipts for stored commodities and outstanding debts owed to rice traders and farmers. He noted that some individuals who deal in rice from the mills owe Sh2.2 million to the traders and farmers.
Mr. Ariemba also informed traders that they are free to collect their produce stored at the facility as long as it is recorded in the mill register.
