Optimizing when rice is planted can significantly increase its yield. In Mwea, Kenya, planting Basmati 370 between July and February resulted in high yields, while planting between March and June led to poor yields due to cold weather. The best time to plant for single cropping is between October and February, and adding a second crop between January and February can further boost rice production. These findings provide valuable guidance for improving rice cultivation in equatorial East Africa.