Kenya and JICA Partner to Modernise Ahero Irrigation Scheme for Sustainable Agriculture

TUESDAY - Nairobi 

Kenya has taken a major step toward strengthening its irrigation infrastructure through a new partnership between the State Department of Irrigation and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). On Tuesday, the government confirmed the signing of the Preparatory Survey Report for the rehabilitation of the Ahero Irrigation Scheme in Kisumu County. This development marks the beginning of a transformative project that will address water efficiency, improve farm productivity, and protect livelihoods in the Nyando Basin.

The Ahero Irrigation Scheme, one of Kenya’s most critical agricultural hubs, has faced challenges over the years due to ageing infrastructure, unreliable water flow, and recurring floods. The signing of the survey report sets out the project’s detailed scope and defines the responsibilities of both the Government of Kenya and JICA. Supported through a generous grant, the rehabilitation will ensure that farmers within the scheme benefit from modern irrigation systems, reliable pumps, and strong flood protection measures.

Rehabilitation of irrigation and drainage systems

The first core component of the project is the rehabilitation of the irrigation and drainage system. For years, farmers in Ahero have struggled with inefficient water distribution, leading to irregular crop yields and increased vulnerability during dry seasons. The rehabilitation will upgrade canals, improve water control structures, and introduce better drainage systems that can cope with both excess rainfall and prolonged dry spells.

Efficient irrigation means that water will reach farms more reliably, reducing wastage and ensuring that crops receive adequate moisture at the right times. Improved drainage will also play a critical role by preventing waterlogging, which has previously damaged rice fields and undermined productivity. With these improvements, farmers are expected to achieve higher and more stable yields, directly contributing to food security and economic stability in the region.

Installation of a new water pump

The second major component is the installation of a new pumping system designed to ensure a consistent water supply. The current pumps have aged and frequently break down, causing interruptions in irrigation schedules and reducing crop output. A modern pump with higher efficiency will provide steady water delivery, even during peak demand periods.

Reliable pumping capacity is crucial not only for rice farming but also for diversifying agricultural activities within the scheme. Farmers will have greater confidence to expand into other crops such as vegetables and horticultural produce, creating more opportunities for household income and reducing dependence on rice as the sole commodity. The new system will also cut maintenance costs, enabling irrigation management to channel resources into farmer support and scheme sustainability.

Flood protection structures on the Nyando River

The third component is the construction of flood protection structures along the Nyando River. This river has historically caused devastating floods in Kisumu County, leading to the loss of lives, destruction of property, and widespread damage to crops. Building embankments and reinforcing riverbanks will provide a reliable defence against seasonal flooding.

These structures will not only safeguard farms within the Ahero Irrigation Scheme but also protect surrounding communities and infrastructure. Preventing flood damage will reduce emergency costs, enhance resilience, and give farmers the security they need to invest confidently in their land. The protection of agricultural investments is central to ensuring long-term sustainability of the scheme and food supply for the county.

Strengthening Kenya’s food security strategy

This project is aligned with Kenya’s broader strategy to strengthen food security through expanded and efficient irrigation. Rain-fed agriculture has become increasingly unreliable due to climate change, unpredictable rainfall patterns, and prolonged droughts. Irrigation remains one of the most effective solutions to stabilise food production and ensure that farmers can harvest consistently throughout the year.

The rehabilitation of the Ahero Irrigation Scheme therefore represents more than just an upgrade of physical infrastructure. It is an investment in the livelihoods of smallholder farmers, a boost to local and national food supply, and a practical step in reducing dependence on food imports. By ensuring reliable water availability and flood protection, the scheme will empower farmers to produce more food for Kenyan households while contributing to national economic growth.

Enhancing productivity in Kisumu County

Kisumu County is one of Kenya’s agricultural powerhouses, particularly in rice production. However, productivity has often been compromised by infrastructural breakdowns, flooding, and lack of modern irrigation technologies. The rehabilitation project will give Kisumu farmers renewed confidence and enable them to increase their contribution to Kenya’s food basket.

The county also benefits from its strategic location, with access to markets in Kisumu city and neighbouring counties. Improved agricultural output will translate into higher incomes for farmers, more employment opportunities, and stronger agribusiness growth. Beyond rice, the availability of reliable irrigation will allow farmers to diversify into high-value crops, expanding market opportunities both locally and internationally.

Strengthening Kenya-Japan development cooperation

The project also underscores the strong partnership between Kenya and Japan in the field of agricultural development. JICA has been a consistent development partner in Kenya, supporting infrastructure, education, health, and agricultural initiatives. By funding the rehabilitation of the Ahero Irrigation Scheme, JICA is reinforcing its commitment to Kenya’s long-term growth and resilience.

This cooperation brings not only financial resources but also technical expertise. Japanese technology and engineering standards are expected to ensure that the rehabilitated scheme meets international benchmarks of efficiency, durability, and sustainability. Farmers in Kisumu County will therefore benefit from world-class infrastructure that can serve generations to come.

Long-term impact on national development

The rehabilitation of the Ahero Irrigation Scheme is part of a bigger picture of national development. Kenya has identified irrigation as a priority sector for achieving Vision 2030 goals and the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda. Expanding irrigation is central to reducing poverty, enhancing rural livelihoods, and achieving self-sufficiency in food production.

Once completed, the project will directly benefit thousands of farmers and indirectly impact the broader Kenyan population by stabilising rice supply and contributing to lower food prices. It will also reduce the risks associated with food shortages during drought seasons, ensuring that communities remain resilient even under adverse weather conditions.

Furthermore, flood protection measures will save the government millions of shillings in disaster response costs, while protecting critical infrastructure such as roads, schools, and health facilities in flood-prone areas of Kisumu County.

Conclusion

The signing of the Preparatory Survey Report for the Ahero Irrigation Scheme rehabilitation represents a milestone in Kenya’s efforts to modernise its agricultural infrastructure. With clear commitments from the Government of Kenya and JICA, the project will rehabilitate irrigation and drainage systems, install a modern pumping station, and construct flood protection structures along the Nyando River.

By doing so, the initiative will transform Ahero into a model of efficient and climate-resilient farming. Farmers will enjoy more reliable water supply, higher productivity, and protection against natural disasters. Kisumu County will gain stronger food security, economic growth, and new agricultural opportunities. At the national level, Kenya will be closer to achieving its vision of sustainable food production, poverty reduction, and resilient rural communities.

The Ahero project therefore goes beyond infrastructure. It is a bold step toward empowering farmers, securing livelihoods, and building a food-secure Kenya for the future.

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