Galana Kulalu Gains Momentum as PS Kimotho Affirms PPP Path to Kenya’s Food Security

By Victor Oyuko

At the heart of Kilifi and Tana River counties lies a stretch of land that has, for years, symbolised both great promise and deep national interest—the Galana Kulalu Irrigation Project. On Friday, that promise took a bold step forward when the Chief of Staff and Head of Public Service, Mr. Felix Koskei, visited the project to assess progress and reaffirm the government’s commitment to sustainable food security through large-scale irrigation. He was hosted by Irrigation Principal Secretary Ephantus Kimotho, who led a team of key officials and stakeholders in showcasing the strides made so far.

The field visit marked a high-level endorsement of Galana Kulalu’s role as a national priority under Kenya’s agricultural transformation agenda. For PS Kimotho, it was more than a routine inspection. It was a strong sign that the work being done under the State Department for Irrigation is not only noticed but also supported at the very top of government.

Galana Kulalu: A National Asset Taking Shape

During the visit, Mr. Koskei described Galana Kulalu as a successful model of what public-private partnerships can achieve when directed by clear goals and dedicated leadership. His remarks echoed a renewed national confidence in the project's ability to deliver real results. With 12,000 acres already equipped with irrigation infrastructure, and 700 acres actively under seed maize production, the groundwork is not only in place—it is producing.

For a long time, Galana Kulalu has been closely watched by both policymakers and the public. The visit by the Chief of Staff therefore sent a strong message: the government is fully behind this project, and it sees it as central to Kenya’s long-term food security.

Mr. Koskei acknowledged the investments made in mechanised agriculture, noting that they reflect the kind of scale and efficiency Kenya needs to build a resilient agricultural system. From high-capacity pumps and canals to modern farming equipment and professional management systems, Galana is steadily shifting from a pilot phase into a functioning example of how irrigation can drive economic development.

Seed Maize as a Strategic Entry Point

One of the key highlights during the visit was the 700 acres currently under seed maize production. While this figure may appear modest compared to the total potential, its strategic importance is clear. Producing certified seed maize domestically helps reduce the country’s dependence on imports and provides local farmers with reliable, quality planting material. This directly contributes to national food production and also strengthens the entire value chain.

By focusing on seed maize at this phase, the Galana project is not just producing for the sake of output—it is producing for multiplication, quality, and self-reliance. It’s a sign that the planning is long-term, and every acre is being used with purpose. Mr. Koskei’s acknowledgment of this milestone reaffirmed that the project is aligned with national goals and moving in the right direction.

PS Kimotho expressed appreciation for the recognition, noting that the State Department is determined to deliver results through careful planning, efficient implementation, and accountable management of irrigation projects.

Advancing the BeTA Plan Through Strategic Partnerships

PS Kimotho used the visit to spotlight how Galana Kulalu fits within the broader framework of the BeTA Plan, the government’s guiding strategy for achieving food security. Under this plan, irrigation is not a side investment. It is central to changing how food is produced and distributed across Kenya.

In the BeTA Plan, irrigation development is tied to job creation, better rural incomes, and reduced exposure to climate-related risks. Galana represents the flagship of this approach, a place where new technologies, data, and partnerships are being put to work to solve long-standing food challenges.

PS Kimotho emphasised that strategic partnerships—like those being piloted at Galana—are key to expanding Kenya’s irrigated acreage to one million acres over the next decade. That target is not just aspirational. It is based on ongoing progress, and Galana is proving that large-scale projects can deliver if managed with focus and transparency.

Government Unity on Food Systems Transformation

The presence of senior government officials during the visit reflected the unity behind the irrigation agenda. PS Kello Harsama of ASALs and Regional Development, National Irrigation Authority Chairperson Eng. Gilbert Maluki, NIA CEO Eng. Charles Muasya, and other high-ranking officers joined the visit and echoed the same message—food security is a top priority, and Galana Kulalu is a pillar of that effort.

Their collective presence sent a powerful signal to the country and to development partners that government institutions are working together toward one goal. Whether through planning, engineering, policy formulation or project supervision, the entire apparatus is moving with one voice and direction.

This coordination matters. It ensures resources are used wisely, mistakes are avoided, and local communities are fully engaged. As Kenya expands its irrigation footprint, these partnerships will become even more important.

Galana as a Learning Ground for Future Projects

Gaana is more than a project. It is a learning platform for what Kenya’s agricultural future could look like. It is testing models of private sector involvement, irrigation efficiency, soil and crop science, and value chain integration. The experiences gained here are informing how other irrigation schemes across the country are being developed—from Bura to Radat to Perkerra.

PS Kimotho reiterated the importance of this learning process. For him, Galana is not only about production numbers—it’s about building a model that works and can be replicated elsewhere. That means refining everything from land preparation to water use, training local staff, building trust with communities, and ensuring that projects remain sustainable beyond their launch.

The 12,000 acres already serviced with infrastructure is a sign of capacity. The goal now is to put more of it into active production, using the same energy and commitment that has been shown so far.

Staying the Course

As the delegation left Galana, the message was clear. The work is far from over, but the foundations are strong. With political goodwill, professional oversight, and public-private partnerships in place, the Galana Kulalu Irrigation Project is regaining its momentum.

PS Kimotho remains clear in his mission—to make irrigation the engine of food production in Kenya. His approach is grounded in planning, partnership, and accountability. And with the support of top government leaders like Mr. Koskei, that mission now has even stronger footing.

The visit affirmed that Galana is not being left behind. It is being placed at the centre of Kenya’s strategy to secure food, grow the economy, and give farmers the tools they need to succeed. It is a national project with local roots and long-term vision.

And most importantly, it is beginning to deliver.