Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru has called on the National Government to prioritize rice farmers in the privatization of the Mwea Rice Mills (MRM).

Asserting the farmers' ownership of 45 per cent of MRM, Waiguru emphasized the logical need to grant them the initial opportunity to acquire the 55 per cent stake held by the national government in the facility.

During the Jamhuri Day celebrations at Good Samaritan Secondary School grounds in Mutithi, Mwea, Governor Waiguru conveyed her stance on the government's role in business, stating, "the government does not run businesses, and therefore MRM factory should be sold to the rice farmers."

Waiguru underscored the potential for economic independence and empowerment for farmers, asserting, "the farmers will operate and manage the mill to be a profit-making venture."

The County government pledged assistance to farmers in acquiring the National Government shares, ensuring that agreements leave rice farmers more empowered and not disenfranchised.

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The Governor criticized local politicians for exploiting the MRM privatization as a 2027 campaign tool rather than providing constructive advice to farmers.

She urged farmers to organize themselves into rice cooperatives to pool resources for purchasing the facility.

Emphasizing the benefits of supporting the government's initiative to make the rice mills self-sustaining.

"It is my duty to advise the farmers to place themselves strategically to take up the offer to buy the government shares when that time comes," Waiguru said.


As the Chair of the Council of Governors (COG), Waiguru urged Kenyans to support President William Ruto's efforts in economic recovery, expressing confidence that the country is on the right path and will soon overcome economic challenges.

Using a medical analogy, Waiguru likened the country's economic recovery to a patient transitioning through intensive care, the high-dependency unit, and the general ward.

She acknowledged the current challenges of high taxation leading to a high cost of living but encouraged faith in the trajectory towards growth.

Addressing the issue of the Golden Apple Snail affecting rice crops at the Mwea irrigation scheme, Waiguru stated that the county, in collaboration with the national government, is actively seeking an effective pesticide. Acknowledging the shortcomings of a pilot program, she reassured farmers.

"Our researchers are working around the clock to get a cure for the snails," she stated.

In a bid to support Kirinyaga coffee farmers participating in the Nairobi Coffee Exchange (NCE), Governor Waiguru announced the County Government's support of Sh50 million to Kirinyaga Slopes Coffee Brokerage Company Limited.

The funding aims to construct warehouses for aggregating coffee, boosting the company's capacity to handle all coffee produce from farmers.

Governor Waiguru concluded by affirming her commitment to the "Mountain Cities Blue Print 2032," highlighting Kirinyaga's remarkable growth under devolution.