PS Kimotho Commends World Bank Support in Advancing National Irrigation Infrastructure

By Victor Patience Oyuko

During a recent meeting, Irrigation Principal Secretary Ephantus Kimotho joined hands with his counterpart, PS Korir, and an experienced delegation from the World Bank to assess the status of ongoing development projects funded under their strategic partnership. The meeting served as a critical moment to take stock of infrastructure initiatives that have been central to accelerating economic transformation and enhancing sustainable development in Kenya.

PS Kimotho acknowledged the significance of this collaboration, emphasizing the vital role that World Bank’s financial and technical assistance has played in shaping key national irrigation and water infrastructure ventures. These projects are not just physical constructions; they are lifelines designed to stimulate productivity, improve livelihoods, and secure long-term food and water security for Kenyan communities.

Tracking Success: Lower Nzoia Irrigation Project

Among the priority undertakings reviewed was the Lower Nzoia Irrigation Project in Siaya County. This initiative stands as a testament to what strategic financing and coordinated planning can achieve. Backed by the World Bank’s support, the project has enabled the establishment of critical irrigation infrastructure meant to increase agricultural productivity in one of Kenya’s most fertile but underutilized regions.

The project aligns with national goals of ensuring food self-sufficiency and generating employment in rural areas. As PS Kimotho pointed out, successful implementation of such a scheme not only benefits local farmers but also contributes directly to the broader economic resilience of the country. With growing climate uncertainties, the importance of such irrigation projects cannot be overstated. They offer a dependable means of water management, ensuring that farmlands remain productive even in adverse weather conditions.

Sustainable Water Infrastructure: The Mwache Multipurpose Dam

Another focal point of the consultative session was the ongoing Mwache Multipurpose Dam project in Kwale County. Like Lower Nzoia, the Mwache initiative has been bolstered by World Bank funding and is designed to address critical water needs through a comprehensive approach.

The Mwache project embodies a multi-dimensional vision: securing reliable water supply, supporting agricultural development, and promoting climate resilience in a region historically affected by water scarcity. By implementing this infrastructure, the government seeks to create an integrated system that caters to both domestic consumption and productive irrigation use. It is a foundational component in the transformation of water governance, and PS Kimotho remains keen on ensuring that the project stays on track and delivers long-lasting benefits.

Technical Support That Elevates Execution

Beyond the financial muscle, the World Bank’s technical contribution has been instrumental in shaping the execution of these infrastructure projects. From feasibility assessments and engineering designs to monitoring mechanisms and implementation support, the Bank’s expertise has brought a layer of excellence that enhances accountability, efficiency, and sustainability.

PS Kimotho acknowledged this invaluable input during the meeting, pointing out that good project design and consistent technical oversight are just as important as funding. With the complexities involved in large-scale irrigation and dam projects, such support ensures that challenges are swiftly identified and mitigated before they escalate. The goal is always to deliver value to the communities while ensuring that every resource is used transparently and effectively.

Impact Beyond Infrastructure

The benefits of the World Bank-funded projects are multi-tiered. On the surface, they provide the physical infrastructure needed for irrigation and water supply. But at a deeper level, they catalyze rural transformation, open up new value chains in agribusiness, and increase the earning potential of farmers and small-scale entrepreneurs.

PS Kimotho, in his continued leadership of the State Department for Irrigation, views these projects as more than construction sites—they are engines of inclusive development. By reaching counties like Siaya and Kwale, which face unique ecological and economic challenges, the projects help bridge inequality and bring government services closer to marginalized populations.

Moreover, the successful delivery of these infrastructure schemes reinforces the government’s credibility with development partners. It proves that with committed leadership and strong partnerships, Kenya can execute high-impact projects that deliver tangible outcomes.

The Path Forward: Deepening Collaboration

As the meeting concluded, the tone was one of mutual commitment to seeing the projects through to their full potential. PS Kimotho reaffirmed his department’s dedication to upholding high standards of execution, while appreciating the continued faith and backing from the World Bank.

This collaboration is not just about the current projects—it’s a template for future development partnerships. PS Kimotho’s stewardship aims to deepen such engagements further, expanding the reach of irrigation to more counties and using infrastructure development as a tool for economic empowerment and resilience.

With the World Bank’s continued partnership, the Department for Irrigation envisions scaling such initiatives across Kenya, ensuring that no region is left behind in the quest for sustainable agriculture, efficient water use, and climate adaptation.

A Model for Development Finance in Africa

The success of the Lower Nzoia and Mwache projects illustrates the value of focused development finance. PS Kimotho’s leadership has positioned Kenya as a model in Africa for leveraging external funding to implement local solutions. The seamless collaboration with the World Bank demonstrates how targeted interventions, grounded in local needs and supported by international expertise, can drive lasting change.

In a global landscape where development financing is increasingly competitive, PS Kimotho’s department has shown that accountability, strategic vision, and results-driven leadership are critical in maintaining donor confidence and achieving development milestones.

Building on a Solid Foundation

The consultative meeting served as a reaffirmation of the strong partnership between the State Department for Irrigation and the World Bank. It highlighted what has already been achieved and set the tone for continued cooperation.

Under PS Kimotho’s watch, the department remains committed to ensuring that every project meets its intended goals and benefits communities in real, measurable ways. With the steady hand of strategic leadership and a trusted partner in the World Bank, Kenya is steadily building a solid foundation for agricultural prosperity, climate resilience, and water security.

Article by Victor Patience Oyuko. To buy coffee: 0708883777