diff --git a/build_image b/build_image
index 6e2aa0e8a8..776b1670d3 100755
--- a/build_image
+++ b/build_image
@@ -162,7 +162,7 @@ fi
 # and it's not possible to store prebuilts for the same package
 # with different use flags.
 USE="${EXTRA_USE}" emerge-${FLAGS_board} \
-    -uNDvg --binpkg-respect-use=y kernel
+    -uNDvg --binpkg-respect-use=y virtual/kernel
 
 # Use canonical path since some tools (e.g. mount) do not like symlinks.
 # Append build attempt to output directory.