The Kenya Agriculture and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO) has launched Komboka rice variety after years of collaborative research with the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI). According to KALRO, Komboka has the attributes preferred by Kenyan consumers, because it is semi-aromatic, has long slender grains and soft cooking texture.
The variety yields 6.5 to 7.0 tons per ha which is significantly more than yields of Basmati rice at 2.5 to 3 tons per ha.The plant height is 110-115cm, does not lodge and matures in three and half to four months (110-120 days).
It requires less water making it suitable for both irrigated and rain fed lowland ecologies. It is more ideal for Mwea, Ahero, Taveta, Kilifi, Kwale, Bura, Hola, Bunyala, West Kano, Lower Kuja, Busia, Alupe and any other rice growing area in Kenya.
