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PS Kimotho and UN Join Forces to Advance Kenya’s Irrigation under NISIP

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On Monday, the Principal Secretary for Irrigation, CPA Ephantus Kimotho, welcomed a high-level delegation of senior representatives from United Nations agencies, including the World Food Programme (WFP), International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). The meeting centered on a bold national blueprint; the National Irrigation Sector Investment Plan (NISIP); that seeks to redefine Kenya’s irrigation future. This was more than a courtesy call. It was a strategic dialogue between Kenya’s State Department for Irrigation and the UN system, charting a common path to address food security, climate resilience, and inclusive agricultural growth. NISIP: A Vision Anchored in Five Pathways At the heart of the discussions was NISIP, Kenya’s comprehensive irrigation framework designed to bring over 1.2 million acres under irrigation. The plan is not merely about increasing acreage; it is a multi-dimensio...
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World Bank Backs PS Kimotho’s Vision for Sustainable Irrigation in Kwale

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Development often reveals its power not only in policies but in the lives it touches. On Wednesday, 10th September 2025, Principal Secretary,  State Department for Irrigation, CPA Ephantus Kimotho welcomed World Bank Kenya Country Director Mr. Qimiao Fan to Kwale County for a visit that brought Kenya’s irrigation journey into sharp focus. The mission highlighted progress under the Farmer-Led Irrigation Development (FLID) programme, celebrated community resilience, and underscored Kenya’s vision for sustainable, market-led agriculture. This was not just a review of projects; it was a reflection of how irrigation, when people-centred and inclusive, can transform rural economies. Redefining Smallholder Agriculture through Farmer Led Irrigation Development   At the heart of PS Kimotho’s engagement with the World Bank team was the FLID initiative. Backed by the National Irrigation Authority, FLID has already delivered more than 207 household water pans in Kwale County, reshaping ho...
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PS Ephantus Kimotho Hosts Nebraska Delegation at Galana Kulalu

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In the heart of Kilifi and Tana River counties lies one of Kenya’s most ambitious agricultural undertakings, the Galana Kulalu Food Security Project. On a recent visit, Irrigation Principal Secretary Ephantus Kimotho welcomed a high-level delegation from the state of Nebraska in the United States, led by Secretary of State Robert Evnen. The visit was more than a ceremonial tour; it was a meeting of ideas, experiences, and aspirations about how nations can confront the challenge of food security in a changing world. A Meeting Rooted in Shared Aspirations Food security has emerged as one of the defining issues of our time. From climate change and unpredictable rainfall patterns to growing populations and the rising cost of living, governments are under pressure to ensure their citizens have reliable access to affordable and nutritious food. It is within this global context that Nebraska’s delegation stood alongside Kenyan officials at Galana Kulalu. Nebraska, known for its advanced irrig...
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National Irrigation Authority Staff Empowered through Transformative Training

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On Wednesday, the National Irrigation Authority (NIA) head office in Nairobi became a hive of energy and purpose as staff gathered for a transformative training session led by the Deputy Director of Human Resource and Administration, Ms. Victoria Aloo. The event marked a milestone in the Authority’s commitment to cultivating a professional, motivated, and unified workforce. This was not just another training. It was the culmination of a nationwide sensitisation initiative, one that had already reached regional offices and schemes across Kenya. With the head office now completing the cycle, the Authority reaffirmed its belief that the true strength of an institution lies in the capacity and dedication of its people. Building Knowledge, Building the Future The training session was anchored in the NIA’s Human Resource Policy and Procedure Manual, a framework that outlines the standards of conduct, performance, and growth expected of all staff. But beyond policies and procedures, the day r...
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Ambassador Carolyne Kamende Promotes Cultural Diplomacy at Swahili Day Ottawa 2025

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By Victor Oyuko  The crisp Saturday morning air in Ottawa carried with it a sense of unity and cultural pride as dignitaries, members of the diaspora, and friends of Africa gathered for the vibrant Swahili Day Ottawa 2025. The event, hosted by H.E. Amb. Joseph E. Sokoine, the High Commissioner of the United Republic of Tanzania to Canada, became a living testimony of Africa’s linguistic heritage and its power to connect communities across borders. Among the notable leaders present was Kenya’s High Commissioner to Canada, Ambassador Carolyne Kamende Daudi, whose participation lent depth and spirit to the occasion. Swahili Day Ottawa 2025 was not merely a commemoration of language. It was a celebration of identity, belonging, and the resilient bonds that unite Africans, no matter how far they are from home. Through music, food, art, and conversation, the event underscored that Swahili is more than words, it is a vessel of heritage and integration. A Celebration Beyond Borders Ottawa,...
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Irrigation 2 Years of Achievement Transforms Kenya’s Food Security Landscape

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Two years ago, Kenya embarked on a journey to strengthen irrigation and place agriculture at the center of national development. The State Department for Irrigation, working with the National Irrigation Authority (NIA) and other partners, was tasked with delivering large-scale, sustainable water projects to secure food production, protect farmers, and transform livelihoods. Today, the results are visible across counties, showcasing milestones that blend ambition with tangible progress. Expanding Irrigated Acreage One of the biggest milestones has been the steady expansion of land under irrigation. In the past two years, more than 20,000 acres of new land have been brought into full production across national schemes such as Bura, Hola, Ahero, and Mwea. This expansion adds to over 350,000 acres already under irrigation nationwide, strengthening the country’s capacity to meet its food needs. The Bura and Hola schemes in Tana River alone now contribute more than 12,000 acres of maize and ...
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Kenya and JICA Partner to Modernise Ahero Irrigation Scheme for Sustainable Agriculture

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TUESDAY - Nairobi  Kenya has taken a major step toward strengthening its irrigation infrastructure through a new partnership between the State Department of Irrigation and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). On Tuesday, the government confirmed the signing of the Preparatory Survey Report for the rehabilitation of the Ahero Irrigation Scheme in Kisumu County. This development marks the beginning of a transformative project that will address water efficiency, improve farm productivity, and protect livelihoods in the Nyando Basin. The Ahero Irrigation Scheme, one of Kenya’s most critical agricultural hubs, has faced challenges over the years due to ageing infrastructure, unreliable water flow, and recurring floods. The signing of the survey report sets out the project’s detailed scope and defines the responsibilities of both the Government of Kenya and JICA. Supported through a generous grant, the rehabilitation will ensure that farmers within the scheme benefit from m...
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