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Government Signs KES 40 Billion Bet on Food Security at Galana Kulalu

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  The Government has taken a decisive step toward reshaping Kenya’s food production future with the signing of a KES 40 billion contract for the Engineering, Procurement, Construction and Financing of the Galana Athi Dam . The agreement, concluded yesterday, Tuesday, marks one of the most consequential irrigation investments Kenya has made in recent years, not because of its size alone, but because of what it unlocks for food security , jobs, and long-term economic stability. At the centre of this moment is a dam designed to store 305 million cubic metres of water, paired with a modern irrigation water conveyance system that will finally give scale and certainty to the Galana Kulalu Food Security Project . For years, Galana has been discussed as potential. This contract begins the process of turning that potential into predictable, measurable production. A Contract That Signals Serious Intent The signing of the Galana Athi Dam contract reflects sustained leadership within the ir...

Government Expands Water Access as PS Kimotho Commissions Irrigation Project in Bahati

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The commissioning of the Line Saba and Engashura Dispensary Micro-Irrigation and Community Boreholes Project marks a significant milestone in the Government’s ongoing efforts to strengthen community resilience, expand food security, and improve access to clean water at the grassroots level. Presiding over the event today, Irrigation Principal Secretary Ephantus Kimotho reaffirmed the State Department for Irrigation ’s commitment to practical, people-centered development interventions that directly improve lives. Located in Kiamaina Ward , Bahati Constituency , the project is set to benefit more than 650 households, the Engashura Dispensary , and surrounding communities by providing reliable and clean water for domestic use, micro-irrigation, and health facility operations. Implemented by the National Irrigation Authority under the State Department for Irrigation, the initiative demonstrates how well-planned water investments can unlock multiple social and economic gains within a si...

Running for Wellness: PS Kimotho Leads Mental Health Awareness Drive at Rurii Marathon

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On Saturday morning, the usually calm surroundings of Bahati Constituency came alive with energy, purpose, and unity as residents gathered for the 2nd Edition of the Rurii Marathon . The event was not merely about speed or competition; it was about people, wellness, and a shared commitment to mental health awareness . Irrigation Principal Secretary Ephantus Kimotho had the honour of flagging off and actively participating in the marathon, underscoring the Government’s growing emphasis on mental wellness as a national development priority. The marathon brought together leaders, athletes, families, youth, and community members in a rare but powerful convergence of sport, advocacy, and service. Alongside the Patron, Mr. Joram Mwangi , and the gracious host, Hon. Mrembo Irene Njoki , PS Kimotho joined runners on the 10-kilometre route, sending a clear message that leadership must be visible, engaged, and human. Mental Health at the Centre of Community Conversation The central theme of th...

Irrigation Wins takes centre stage as PS Kimotho Rallies Staff Toward a Bold 2026

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Thursday afternoon offered a refreshing and energising moment for the entire State Department for Irrigation as Irrigation PS Ephantus Kimotho led staff in a comprehensive reflection on the year’s achievements, challenges, and emerging priorities. The atmosphere was warm, collegial, and forward-looking, an ideal environment to take stock of the remarkable strides made in 2025 while charting a clear course for 2026. It was both a celebration and a reaffirmation of the shared commitment that continues to anchor irrigation as a pillar of Kenya’s food security strategy . The session served as a timely reminder of how far the Department has travelled in strengthening irrigation-led development, from policy reforms and institutional restructuring to new acreage brought under irrigation and the expansion of farmer-led initiatives across the country. As teams shared insights and engaged openly, one could sense the collective pride in the progress achieved as well as renewed enthusiasm for th...

PS Kimotho Signs Game-Changing MoU to Drive Climate-Smart Farming

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The State Department for Irrigation has reached a new and defining milestone with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the International Water Management Institute (IWMI). Presided over by Irrigation Principal Secretary Ephantus Kimotho , this agreement marks a pivotal step in strengthening Kenya’s institutional capacity, expanding climate-resilient irrigation systems, and deepening the country’s long-term water security strategy. The MoU, signed today, formalizes a structured partnership with IWMI, one of the world’s foremost research institutions on water management. It sets the stage for coordinated action across policy development, technological innovation, knowledge generation, and investment mobilization. For Kenya, this partnership represents both an acceleration and validation of an agenda that is already transforming the agricultural landscape: the National Irrigation Sector Investment Plan (NISIP 2025–2035), the Presidential Irrigation Expansion Programme ,...

Government Accelerates Irrigation Transformation Through Sigor and Embobut Dams

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The State Department for Irrigation has reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to fast-tracking major water and irrigation infrastructure following a detailed technical inspection and familiarisation visit to the proposed Sigor Dam in West Pokot County and the Embobut Dam site in Elgeyo Marakwet County. Conducted on Tuesday, the mission forms part of the wider Presidential Irrigation Expansion Agenda , which prioritises large-scale irrigation development as a central pillar of food security, climate resilience, and rural transformation. The inspection underscored the strategic importance of the two proposed dams, both of which are set to unlock irrigation potential, stabilise agricultural productivity, and support sustainable economic development in regions historically affected by aridity, low rainfall, and recurrent climate shocks. The Sigor Dam will draw its water from the Pas River, while Embobut Dam will rely on the Embobut River, two critical water sources capable of supporting...

High Grand Falls Dam Moves A Step Closer as PS Kimotho Chairs Strategic Meeting

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Irrigation Principal Secretary CPA Ephantus Kimotho today led a high-level meeting focused on one of Kenya’s most ambitious water and agricultural transformation projects: the High Grand Falls Dam . The session, co-chaired with the Principal Secretary for Energy, Alex Wachira , brought together key technical teams and decision-makers to fast-track the planning, coordination, and delivery mechanisms required to drive the project forward. The tone of the meeting was clear and firm. Kenya cannot continue expanding its food systems on rain-fed agriculture alone. The country needs large, dependable water storage infrastructure capable of unlocking irrigation at a scale that truly alters national food production. PS Kimotho anchored the session with this message, making it clear that the High Grand Falls Dam is not just a construction project. It is a long-term, multi-sectoral investment designed to secure Kenya’s food future. Why High Grand Falls Matters Now More Than Ever The High Gr...