Irrigation 2 Years of Achievement Transforms Kenya’s Food Security Landscape

Two years ago, Kenya embarked on a journey to strengthen irrigation and place agriculture at the center of national development. The State Department for Irrigation, working with the National Irrigation Authority (NIA) and other partners, was tasked with delivering large-scale, sustainable water projects to secure food production, protect farmers, and transform livelihoods. Today, the results are visible across counties, showcasing milestones that blend ambition with tangible progress.

Expanding Irrigated Acreage

One of the biggest milestones has been the steady expansion of land under irrigation. In the past two years, more than 20,000 acres of new land have been brought into full production across national schemes such as Bura, Hola, Ahero, and Mwea. This expansion adds to over 350,000 acres already under irrigation nationwide, strengthening the country’s capacity to meet its food needs.

The Bura and Hola schemes in Tana River alone now contribute more than 12,000 acres of maize and rice production, while Mwea, the country’s rice basket, has expanded by 5,000 acres under modern water systems. These expansions have not only secured staple foods but have also created thousands of jobs and supported rural economies.

Harnessing Public-Private Partnerships

In line with the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), the State Department has successfully attracted KSh 12.5 billion in private investment through Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs). The Galana Kulalu Food Security Project stands out as a flagship, with 600,000m³ water reservoirs irrigating 10,000 acres and producing an estimated 1.4 million bags of maize annually, valued at KSh 5.6 billion.

This model demonstrates that Kenya can leverage private sector resources to complement public investment, creating sustainable financing for large-scale projects.

Dams for Water Security

Irrigation cannot thrive without storage. Over the last two years, the Department has advanced strategic dam projects designed to secure water for farming and domestic use. Among them is the Radat Dam in Baringo, with potential to support over 50,000 acres under irrigation. The preparatory work for the High Grand Falls Dam is also on track, promising to add 12,000 acres at Hola Scheme once completed.

These dams will significantly increase Kenya’s water storage capacity, reduce vulnerability to droughts, and provide a reliable base for year-round farming.

Embracing Renewable Energy

Reducing costs for farmers has been a consistent focus. At Hola Irrigation Scheme, the pumping station has been successfully connected to the national electricity grid, cutting farmers’ operation and maintenance costs by 70 percent. Diesel pumps, once a financial burden, have been replaced with clean energy, lowering production costs while contributing to climate change mitigation.

This intervention highlights how irrigation infrastructure can also align with environmental sustainability goals while supporting farmer welfare.

Flood Protection and Climate Resilience

The Ahero Irrigation Scheme rehabilitation project in Kisumu County, supported by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), is a major milestone in safeguarding farmers against floods from the Nyando River. The project includes new pumps, drainage systems, and flood barriers, directly protecting over 5,000 farmers and their crops.

Flood protection is no longer a secondary issue but a central pillar of irrigation planning, ensuring resilience in the face of climate change.

Supporting Farmers and Local Communities

Beyond infrastructure, the State Department has made strides in empowering farmers through inclusive policies. Public participation forums have been rolled out across schemes such as Bura and Mwea, ensuring that farmers have a voice in land allocation, irrigation management, and operation fees.

Investors entering government schemes are now required to engage in corporate social responsibility (CSR) and capacity building, directly benefiting surrounding communities. Farmers have also been assured of fair access to land and water without hidden charges, building trust and strengthening partnerships.

Partnerships Driving Growth

The last two years have seen enhanced collaboration with international partners including JICA, Al Dahra, and Shanghai Construction Group. Memoranda of Understanding signed during this period have opened the door for feasibility studies on over 180,000 acres of land earmarked for diversified agricultural enterprises, including fodder and livestock value chains.

These partnerships represent a forward-looking approach to transforming irrigation into a driver of not just crop farming but wider agro-industrial growth.

Food Security at the Centre

Every milestone points toward a single outcome: securing food for Kenyan households. From Galana Kulalu’s maize production to Mwea’s rice output and Ahero’s resilience against floods, irrigation is directly feeding the nation. Projections show that schemes under expansion and rehabilitation could produce millions of additional bags of maize and rice annually, cutting the national food import bill significantly.

Looking Forward

The last two years have shown that irrigation is not just about water and canals; it is about jobs, incomes, and dignity for farmers. It is about building resilience against climate change and ensuring that Kenya’s growth is anchored on food security.

With strategic projects underway, from large dams to community-based irrigation, the State Department for Irrigation has set a strong foundation for the years ahead. These achievements are proof that deliberate planning, strong partnerships, and accountable leadership can turn policy into impact.

Article by Victor Patience Oyuko. To buy coffee: 0708 883 777.