Rice and cotton production expand sharply

Import substitution is the quiet half of the Bottom-Up agenda. Kenya spends heavily on imported rice and imported fabric — both of which it can grow.

• Paddy rice production up 19%, milled rice up 14%, driven by irrigation scheme expansion including Bura, Mwea and Ahero.
• Cotton cultivation up 332%, supported by certified BT cotton seed and guaranteed offtake.
• Leather processing capacity up 30%.

Every one of these is a domestic value chain that keeps foreign exchange in Kenya and creates rural jobs that do not require a degree.