Modern mechanisation
Electric tractors, laser land-levelling and mechanised harvesting replace manual labour and diesel machinery.
Target output at full scale70,000 MTof milled rice a year, once all 12,000 ha are developed
The PPP model
Public land and infrastructure. Private capital and operations.
The Tarda Rice Project is a Public-Private Partnership on a 30-year leasehold. The Tana and Athi Rivers Development Authority (TARDA) provides the land and river infrastructure. Iconium brings the capital, green technology and day-to-day operating leadership.
30-year leasehold4,400 ha Phase 1Public infrastructure + private operations
Kenya imports most of the rice it eats. This partnership is built to change that: it pairs state backing with private-sector discipline, modernises rural infrastructure and runs on clean energy. The first proof cycle is already complete. It covered 1,225 acres and produced 2,063 tonnes of Komboka paddy, commercial-scale evidence that the model works.
Three pillars
Three commitments behind the numbers.
Renewable infrastructure
Gravity-fed main canals, with off-grid solar and wind microgrids powering drainage, processing and water control.
Community integration
Outgrower contracts give local farming families inputs, training and a guaranteed buyer.
Who this is for
Different mandates. One platform.
Development finance institutions, government agencies, commercial investors and outgrower communities each have a defined role in scaling the project.
See how to get involved ↗
Now raising capital
Help build Kenya's rice supply.
We are talking to development partners, impact funds and technology providers. Use the contact page to reach the project team and request the current investment materials.