Rice paddies built by Mau Mau detainees still feed the nation

Rice traders at Nice Rice Miller Centre in Ngurubani Town. Rice farming is the main economic activity in Mwea area in Kirinyaga County. [Kibata Kihu, Standard]

The scars of its evolution from a detainee camp to the rice basket of the country are still visible to date in Mwea Irrigation Scheme.

With the scheme canals and paddies constructed in 1953 by Mau Mau detainees in forced labour during the state of emergency, the scheme has stood the test of times as it contributes to feeding the nation.