PS Ephantus Kimotho Leads Investor Talks on NISIP Pathway 3 to Boost Irrigated Agribusiness

By Victor Patience Oyuko 

Kenya’s journey towards agricultural self-sufficiency continues to gain momentum, and at the heart of this transformation is the National Irrigation Sector Investment Plan (NISIP)—a blueprint that is reshaping the future of food security, job creation, and economic inclusion. As implementation of this vital plan accelerates, the State Department for Irrigation under the leadership of Principal Secretary Ephantus Kimotho is ensuring that no opportunity is wasted in rallying investors to the table.

On Tuesday, PS Kimotho hosted a team of investors keen on Pathway No. 3 of NISIP, which focuses on enabling corporate agribusiness. This pathway, one of the most critical components of the national irrigation agenda, seeks to catalyse large-scale, commercially driven agriculture through public-private partnerships. In his engagement, the PS laid out a compelling investment proposition rooted in one of Kenya’s most historic agricultural gems—the Bura Irrigation and Settlement Scheme in Tana River County.

Revitalising Bura: The Sleeping Giant Awakens

The Bura Irrigation Scheme is not just a parcel of arable land—it is a legacy project that has powered rice production for decades and continues to hold immense potential. Situated along the banks of the mighty Tana River, Bura has long stood as a symbol of Kenya’s early post-independence irrigation dreams. Now, through renewed investment and strategic leadership, it is poised to become a powerhouse of modern agribusiness.

During the investor meeting, PS Kimotho emphasised that the government has earmarked the scheme for major expansion, aiming to increase the acreage under rice cultivation by 95,000 acres. Once fully actualised, this transformation will not only boost the national rice supply but also breathe life into Kenya’s rural economies. The Bura project is expected to support over 15,000 direct jobs, with a projected annual turnover of Ksh 6.5 billion—a tangible return for both investors and the country.

Such figures are not merely aspirational—they are anchored in technical feasibility and informed by years of groundwork. The scheme already has access to surface water, favourable climatic conditions, and a history of successful cultivation cycles. What it now requires is capital infusion, operational innovation, and scalable business models—all of which the State Department is committed to facilitating.

Corporate Agribusiness: A New Dawn for Kenya’s Farming Landscape

What sets Pathway No. 3 of NISIP apart is its focus on the corporatization of irrigated agriculture. While smallholder farmers remain integral to Kenya’s food system, corporate agribusiness brings with it efficiencies in production, access to premium markets, and the kind of logistics and processing infrastructure that can unlock real value across the supply chain.

As PS Kimotho outlined in his engagement, the Bura Irrigation Scheme has been designed with this very principle in mind. The model invites commercial actors to invest either independently or through structured partnerships with the government and local communities. This inclusive approach ensures that while investors bring in capital and technology, local residents gain access to jobs, skills, and enterprise opportunities.

This is more than just farming—it is a deliberate shift toward agribusiness ecosystems where irrigation, mechanisation, post-harvest handling, and market access are fully integrated. It is about farming not just to eat, but to thrive. It is about turning Kenya’s irrigation potential into competitive advantage.

Building Investor Confidence Through Government Commitment

Investor confidence does not materialise in a vacuum—it is cultivated through trust, consistency, and clarity of vision. By personally engaging with prospective investors, PS Kimotho is demonstrating that the State Department for Irrigation is not merely a regulator, but an active partner in development.

His commitment to unlocking investment within the framework of NISIP is strategic and unwavering. It is this hands-on approach that reassures both local and international players that Kenya is serious about transforming agriculture into a high-impact economic sector.

Already, the department has taken key steps to de-risk agribusiness ventures by prioritising infrastructure development, ensuring land tenure clarity, and providing streamlined regulatory support. These enablers—combined with Kenya’s youthful labour force and growing demand for food—make a strong case for investors to put their capital to work.

And under PS Kimotho’s watch, the department is ensuring that projects are not only bankable, but also sustainable—environmentally, socially, and economically.

From Rice Fields to Rural Prosperity

At the heart of this initiative lies the rural farmer, the community member, the youth seeking employment, and the nation striving for dignity in its food systems. The Bura expansion, once complete, will not just increase rice tonnage—it will revive local economies, improve nutrition, and reduce reliance on imported rice, which has long drained the country's foreign reserves.

Through enhanced irrigation infrastructure, farmers will no longer depend solely on rainfall, making agriculture a more predictable and profitable venture. With job creation comes improved livelihoods, reduced rural-urban migration, and strengthened family structures.

Moreover, by integrating youth and women into agribusiness value chains, the project supports Kenya’s broader goals of inclusive economic growth and social empowerment. And this is not incidental—it is intentional design, championed by a department that sees agriculture not just as a sector, but as a catalyst for national transformation.

NISIP as a National Imperative

The National Irrigation Sector Investment Plan (NISIP) is not just a document—it is a national imperative. It represents a shift from ad-hoc irrigation schemes to coordinated, well-funded, and commercially viable irrigation zones that can feed the nation, create wealth, and safeguard the environment.

In hosting investors and advancing Pathway No. 3, PS Ephantus Kimotho is showing that NISIP is alive, active, and ready for execution. It is a plan backed by data, vision, and now—capital engagement. And the Bura Scheme is just one of many investment opportunities the PS and his team are unveiling across the country.

Whether it’s in Galana, Ahero, or Mwea, the State Department for Irrigation is positioning Kenya to be a continental leader in sustainable irrigation and agribusiness development.

A Call to Action

As Kenya grapples with challenges ranging from climate change to food imports, the answer lies in smart, bold, and inclusive agricultural investments. Through the NISIP framework and dynamic leadership at the helm, opportunities abound for investors who are ready to be part of Kenya’s agricultural rebirth.

With PS Ephantus Kimotho leading from the front, a new narrative is being written—one where irrigation becomes the bedrock of national prosperity and agribusiness becomes the future of work for millions.

The message is clear: the land is ready, the policy is clear, and the government is open for business.

The time to invest in Kenya’s irrigation future is now.

Article by Victor Patience Oyuko. To buy coffee: 0708883777