Ahero Irrigation Scheme Gets Global Attention as JICA President Visits Kenya

By Victor Oyuko 

The growing partnership between Kenya and Japan took a major step forward with a high-profile visit to the Ahero Irrigation Scheme. On the afternoon of July 6, 2025, the President of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), Dr. TANAKA Akihiko, toured the Ahero fields and held discussions on Kenya’s irrigation future. Hosted by Irrigation Principal Secretary Ephantus Kimotho,  his visit was more than symbolic. It marked a pivotal milestone in the deepening collaboration between JICA and Kenya’s State Department for Irrigation, aimed at transforming rice production, water use efficiency, and farmer livelihoods across the country.

The presence of such a senior figure from JICA at Ahero was not just about inspecting fields—it was a strong statement of confidence in Kenya’s irrigation development trajectory. It underlined the seriousness with which development partners view the Western Irrigation Schemes, especially Ahero and West Kano in Kisumu County.

A Scheme with National Impact

The Western Irrigation Schemes are not small-scale, localised projects. Covering a gazetted area of 8,636 acres—4,176 acres in Ahero and 4,450 in West Kano—they play a strategic role in national food security. In total, over 13,000 acres are currently under production when including surrounding expansion areas. These two schemes collectively support an estimated 60,000 people, providing both direct employment and downstream economic benefits.

Rice, the primary crop grown under these systems, generates nearly Ksh 2 billion annually. That figure alone makes the schemes vital to the agricultural economy of western Kenya. But beyond the numbers, the schemes stand as living proof that with the right partnerships and planning, irrigation can drive prosperity.

Since 2023, Ahero has shown notable progress, with the introduction of high-value, disease-resistant rice varieties and more efficient irrigation technologies. Farmers have embraced climate-smart practices, shifting from traditional flooding methods to controlled irrigation systems. These improvements have led to better yields while reducing greenhouse gas emissions, making the scheme not only more productive but also more environmentally responsible.

The State Department for Irrigation, working in close coordination with JICA and local partners, has helped to lead this shift. Through its technical leadership and strategic vision, it has ensured that interventions align with national goals, farmer needs, and the realities of climate change.

A Strategic Visit with Long-Term Goals

Dr. Tanaka’s itinerary included reviewing current and planned interventions under the Preparatory Survey for the Grant Project for the Rehabilitation of Ahero Irrigation Scheme. This survey represents the first step toward a larger rehabilitation effort aimed at modernising infrastructure, improving drainage, and ensuring long-term efficiency of water use.

During his visit, Dr. Tanaka also toured the Ahero Irrigation Research Station. Here, he was briefed on key innovations under Phase 2 of the Capacity Development Project for Enhancement of Rice Production in Irrigation Schemes in Kenya (CaDPERP2), funded by JICA. The project is designed to scale innovations that support increased rice productivity, climate resilience, and improved livelihoods for farmers.

The station has become a hub of knowledge and learning, where new rice varieties, fertilisation techniques, and irrigation schedules are tested before being rolled out to farmers. The lessons learned at Ahero are already benefiting other regions as well, serving as a blueprint for scaling rice farming nationally.

Officials from the State Department for Irrigation noted the significance of JICA’s technical support and the importance of sustained engagement as the country prepares to expand its irrigation capacity even further. Their efforts have helped align Ahero’s local strategies with the broader goals of Kenya’s irrigation masterplan.

Soin-Koru Dam: A Game Changer on the Horizon

One of the major developments that came up during the visit was the anticipated completion of the Soin-Koru Dam. This project is seen as a turning point for irrigation in the western region. Once complete, the dam is expected to expand irrigation coverage from the current 13,000 acres to over 35,000 acres, unlocking untapped agricultural potential.

Water reliability remains a challenge in many parts of the western region, but the Soin-Koru Dam promises to provide a stable supply that can transform farming from subsistence to commercial. For Ahero and West Kano, the expansion will mean more farmers can participate, more food can be produced, and more jobs will be created.

The State Department for Irrigation is playing a key role in aligning the technical aspects of the dam project with the needs of existing schemes. Its approach has been community-focused, ensuring that the expansion plans are rooted in actual field conditions and farmer feedback.

Innovations Driving Change

In recent years, Ahero has become a leader in adopting smart, efficient farming technologies. Farmers are shifting from water-heavy systems to ones that conserve water while maximising output. One major innovation has been the solarization of the scheme, which is helping to reduce the high electricity costs that have traditionally hampered irrigation operations.

By switching to solar power, the scheme has begun to cut costs and enhance sustainability. The move is expected to free up more resources for maintenance, expansion, and farmer support. It also ensures that even during power outages, irrigation can continue uninterrupted.

In parallel, new rice varieties that are not only disease-resistant but also higher yielding are being introduced. These varieties mature faster and require less water, making them ideal for climate-smart agriculture. With these developments, the region is positioning itself to be a national leader in rice innovation.

Flooding and the Need for Resilience

While the progress is impressive, the region still faces challenges. Rising lake levels have caused seasonal flooding, threatening crops and infrastructure. The visit highlighted the need for urgent flood control measures. Plans are underway to reinforce dykes, improve drainage systems, and introduce early warning mechanisms for communities.

The State Department for Irrigation is currently working with partners to fast-track these interventions. Officials have noted that resilience is no longer optional. With climate change intensifying, the ability of irrigation systems to withstand shocks is now central to their long-term success.

Ahero has become a focal point for learning how to balance productivity with sustainability. By incorporating resilience planning into every stage—from infrastructure to crop selection—the scheme is setting the pace for others to follow.

A Model of Partnership

Dr. Tanaka’s visit not only reaffirmed JICA’s commitment to Kenya’s irrigation goals, but also strengthened the trust between the two nations. His presence in Ahero symbolised more than a technical collaboration; it showed that Kenya’s efforts to reform and expand its irrigation sector are being recognised globally.

The work happening in Ahero would not be possible without the coordinated leadership provided by the State Department for Irrigation. From guiding policy to mobilising funding and ensuring community participation, the department continues to ensure that Kenya’s irrigation journey remains focused, inclusive, and transformative.

As Kenya moves forward with plans to scale up to one million acres under irrigation, schemes like Ahero and West Kano offer valuable lessons. They show what is possible when innovation, partnership, and local commitment come together.

In the years ahead, the hope is that every county with irrigation potential will look to Ahero—not just as a project site, but as a model of what is achievable when people, policy, and planning align.

Looking Forward

The visit to Ahero Irrigation Scheme by Dr. TANAKA Akihiko marks a significant chapter in the journey of Kenya’s agricultural transformation. It reflects the growing importance of sustainable, efficient, and climate-resilient irrigation as a national priority.

The momentum is clear. The systems are working. The farmers are engaged. And the results are visible.

With the continued support of JICA and other development partners, and under the strategic leadership of the State Department for Irrigation, Kenya’s path toward food security, rural development, and agricultural resilience is not just a dream—it is a reality in motion.

Article by Victor Patience Oyuko. To buy coffee: 0708883777