How PS Kimotho used PPP to unlock KSh 12 Billion for Kenya’s Food Security Project

By Victor Oyuko 

For decades, Kenya has battled the challenge of feeding its people in an era of unpredictable weather patterns, prolonged droughts, and rising global food prices. The question has always been the same: how can the country unite the strength of government and the private sector to build a food system that is both productive and resilient? The answer began to take shape long before most Kenyans knew about it. On 11th August 2025, during the Public-Private Partnership High-Level Symposium, that vision finally stepped into the spotlight.

A Leader with a Clear Message

It was at this gathering that the Principal Secretary for the State Department for Irrigation, CPA Ephantus Kimotho, took the stage with a message that was both inspiring and practical. His words cut through the complexity of policy and finance to reveal something simple yet powerful. The National Government, particularly the National Treasury, holds the key to unlocking large-scale private investment in agriculture.

This was not just a speech about abstract frameworks or lofty ambitions. It was a presentation grounded in real results, backed by a living success story that could change the way Kenya thinks about food security.

The Galana Kulalu Turning Point

At the centre of this story stood the Galana Kulalu Food Security Project. On the surface, it might seem like just another large-scale government programme. But within it lies a turning point for Kenya’s agricultural future.

The heart of this project is a 450,000 cubic metre water reservoir, an engineering achievement that has opened the door to opportunities that once seemed distant. This single piece of infrastructure has done what years of scattered efforts could not achieve. It has drawn in Selu Limited, a private investor ready to commit an extraordinary KSh 12 billion to large-scale food production.

The plan is ambitious. Twenty thousand acres will be cultivated, producing staple crops and high-value foods that will strengthen Kenya’s food supply. With abundant and reliable irrigation, the project is designed to deliver consistent harvests that can be planned for, relied upon, and scaled up over time. This is the model that works: government builds the foundation through infrastructure and enabling policies, while the private sector brings in resources, technology, and expertise.

Why This Matters Now More Than Ever

This development is far more than a figure on an investment sheet. It represents the possibility of rewriting Kenya’s agricultural story. In a country where drought can wipe out an entire season of effort, the assurance of a steady water supply changes everything. Reliable irrigation leads to secure planting schedules, and secure planting schedules lead to predictable harvests.

Predictability in farming is more than a technical advantage. It is the foundation for food security, economic stability, and long-term growth. With such systems in place, Kenya can shift from reacting to food crises to actively shaping its agricultural future.

Government as a Catalyst for Private Investment

Principal Secretary Kimotho made it clear that Galana Kulalu is not a one-off success but a blueprint for what is possible. The role of the National Government, particularly the National Treasury, is to create a climate where private investors feel confident enough to commit billions.

This requires transparent policies, solid infrastructure, and clear agreements that protect both investors and local communities. When the government removes barriers, the private sector is more willing to step in with significant commitments. Galana Kulalu proves that the right conditions can spark massive investments in agriculture.

The Broader Impact Beyond Farming

The numbers tell an impressive story, but the human impact is even greater. Twenty thousand acres under cultivation means thousands of jobs, from farm workers and technicians to transport providers and market vendors. It means local suppliers thriving, schools benefiting from stronger household incomes, and communities gaining access to stable food supplies.

Food security is never only about filling stomachs. It is about restoring dignity, building self-reliance, and ensuring that communities are strong enough to withstand economic and environmental shocks. The Galana Kulalu project is proof that when vision meets action, the benefits reach far beyond the fields.

Lessons for the Future

The success of this project holds valuable lessons. Water is the ultimate enabler in agriculture, and without a reliable supply, even the best seeds and fertilisers cannot produce results. Infrastructure must come before investment, because private players are more likely to commit when key facilities are already in place.

The government’s role is not to compete with private investors but to clear the path for them. And finally, scale attracts scale. Large projects encourage bold thinking, advanced technology, and long-term strategies that benefit the entire economy.

A Call to Replicate the Model

The address by Principal Secretary Kimotho should be remembered as more than just a presentation. It was a call to action for Kenya to move quickly in replicating this model across the country. From the fertile highlands to the arid lands with untapped potential, the principle remains the same. Secure the water, build the infrastructure, create investor confidence, and let partnerships flourish.

The question is no longer whether public-private partnerships can work in agriculture. The proof is here. The real question is how quickly Kenya can roll out similar projects before the combined challenges of climate change and population growth outpace our ability to respond.

A Credit to Visionary Leadership

As the symposium concluded, it was clear that CPA Ephantus Kimotho had done more than highlight a project. He had offered a blueprint for Kenya’s future in food production. By showing how the National Government and the National Treasury can work together to attract major private investment, he demonstrated that collaboration is not just a policy slogan but a tested approach that delivers results.

The Galana Kulalu Food Security Project is a living example of what can be achieved when infrastructure, investment, and leadership come together. It is a story that brings hope, not the fragile kind that fades with the news cycle, but the solid hope that comes from proven action.

In a world where hunger remains a persistent challenge, stories like Galana Kulalu matter. They remind us that solutions exist, that bold investments can be made, and that Kenya has within its reach the ability to secure its own food future. The journey from quiet policy discussions to a nationally celebrated success is one that deserves to be told, repeated, and expanded until every region benefits from the same transformative approach.

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Article by Victor Patience Oyuko. To buy coffee 0708883777