How Korea and Kenya could transform Irrigation through NISIP

By Victor Patience Oyuko 

In a world grappling with climate change, population growth, and volatile food prices, strategic international cooperation has become the cornerstone of sustainable development. For Kenya, one such promising alliance is with South Korea—a nation globally recognized for its technological advancement, agricultural efficiency, and commitment to innovation. As highlighted in a recent high-level engagement involving Kenya's Principal Secretary for Irrigation, Ephantus Kimotho, and South Korea's Ambassador to Kenya, His Excellency Kang Hyung-shik, the future of Kenya's food systems could be fundamentally reshaped through partnerships rooted in the National Irrigation Sector Investment Plan (NISIP).

What Is NISIP and Why Does It Matter?

The National Irrigation Sector Investment Plan (NISIP), officially launched on 21st March 2025, is Kenya's comprehensive blueprint for revitalizing the irrigation sector. It is not just a plan; it is a national statement of intent—to move away from rain-fed agriculture and towards a resilient, irrigated system capable of feeding the nation and sustaining livelihoods. The presence of Ambassador Kang and a team from the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) at the NISIP launch underscored South Korea's commitment to being part of this transformational journey.

Why should NISIP matter to every Kenyan? Because it provides the pathway through which our farmers can thrive regardless of unpredictable weather. It is the framework that promises jobs, food, and economic empowerment, especially in rural areas. It aligns perfectly with the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda, by focusing on those who till the land and feed the nation.

South Korea: A Natural Partner in Innovation

South Korea’s strengths in advanced technologies, water management, and agricultural mechanization make it a strategic partner for Kenya. Korea’s history of transforming from a food-insecure nation to a net exporter of agricultural products offers valuable lessons and applicable solutions for Kenya's own challenges.

What if Kenya could leapfrog decades of trial and error by adopting South Korea's precision irrigation models? What if our smallholder farmers could access affordable, efficient water distribution systems tailor-made for semi-arid and arid lands?

These are not hypothetical dreams; they are possibilities already in discussion within the State Department for Irrigation. PS Ephantus Kimotho’s continued engagement with KOICA and South Korean officials demonstrates the commitment to turning these possibilities into realities.

Trade Synergy with Agricultural Backbone

Kenya and South Korea already enjoy a dynamic trade relationship. Kenya exports tea, coffee, horticultural products, hides, and skins to South Korea—commodities that depend heavily on agriculture. But behind every tea leaf and coffee bean exported lies a farmer grappling with outdated irrigation methods and climate vulnerability.

Strengthening the irrigation backbone of these value chains through Korean cooperation would not only improve yield and quality but also open up new trade opportunities. Imagine a scenario where Kenya’s top exports to South Korea are not only in raw agricultural products but also in value-added goods derived from a well-irrigated and productive ecosystem.

Irrigation as a Tool for Climate Resilience

In many parts of Kenya, unpredictable rainfall has pushed farmers to the brink. The solution is not just more land under cultivation but smarter water usage. South Korea’s modern irrigation technologies, such as drip systems, smart sensors, and solar-powered pumps, could be game-changers in areas that receive minimal rainfall.

PS Ephantus Kimotho has consistently emphasized the role of efficient irrigation in enhancing climate resilience. His recent visit to the South Korean Embassy in Nairobi was not merely a diplomatic formality; it was a clear message that Kenya is ready to explore bold solutions for real challenges. This commitment to exploring efficient and scalable irrigation techniques marks a defining shift from survival agriculture to prosperity agriculture.

Modern Machinery Meets Indigenous Wisdom

One of the hidden strengths of the Kenya-South Korea partnership lies in the potential to merge cutting-edge Korean irrigation machinery with indigenous Kenyan farming knowledge. While technology offers the tools, it is local experience that shapes how those tools are used effectively. The partnership envisions a knowledge-sharing ecosystem where Kenyan farmers are not just passive recipients of aid but active collaborators in innovation.

Could this be the model that finally breaks the cycle of food insecurity? A blend of global knowledge and local expertise?

Creating Opportunities Across the Border

As Kenya imports electronics, vehicles, and industrial equipment from South Korea, there is an opportunity to direct some of this trade focus towards the agriculture sector. Machinery and irrigation tools could become top imports—customized and scaled for smallholder farmers, cooperatives, and county governments.

This pivot has the potential to stimulate industrial linkages locally, encourage agro-industrial hubs, and promote employment, especially among youth who are increasingly embracing agribusiness as a career path.

KOICA's Role and the Promise of Bilateral Growth

KOICA Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) plays a central role in facilitating technical exchange, training, and funding of irrigation projects. Their involvement in NISIP signals a deeper level of cooperation, beyond project-based support. It signifies a bilateral commitment to co-creating lasting systems and infrastructure that support not just agriculture, but entire communities.

PS Kimotho’s openness to exploring these partnerships, along with KOICA's proven track record, paints a picture of a future where Kenya's food basket is not at the mercy of the skies but firmly anchored on the strength of planning, policy, and partnerships.

Towards Food Security and National Dignity

No country can claim true independence if it cannot feed itself. This principle lies at the heart of Kenya's Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda, where irrigation is not seen as an option, but as a necessity.

Through strategic partnerships such as this one with South Korea, Kenya can take bold strides toward food self-sufficiency, dignified livelihoods, and a resilient rural economy. The meeting between PS Kimotho and Ambassador Kang was more than just a diplomatic engagement; it was a convergence of two nations willing to invest in each other for mutual progress.

The seeds of change have already been planted. The question now is: will we water them?

A Shared Future Built on Water and Will

The collaboration between Kenya and South Korea, as symbolized by this dialogue around NISIP, holds the promise of not just improved irrigation, but a shared vision for inclusive development. With the leadership of committed public servants like Irrigation PS Ephantus Kimotho, and partners such as KOICA, this vision inches closer to reality.

Let this not be another plan that gathers dust. Let it be the spark that ignites Kenya’s agricultural revolution—powered by innovation, driven by patriotism, and rooted in partnership.

Article by Victor Patience Oyuko. To buy coffee: 0708883777