Irrigation PS Ephantus Kimotho Celebrates 1,300 Graduands at KEWI Graduation Ceremony

Kenya’s journey toward climate resilience, food security, and sustainable development relies heavily on the people who work every day to manage, protect, and distribute its most essential resource: water. This truth was powerfully demonstrated today, Thursday, during the 37th Graduation Ceremony of the Kenya Water Institute (KEWI). The event brought together senior government officials, parents, trainers, partners in the water sector, and most importantly the 1,300 graduands who are now ready to step into one of the country’s most critical fields.

Attending the ceremony was the Principal Secretary for the State Department for Irrigation, Ephantus Kimotho, who delivered a message that went far beyond celebration. His remarks tied the day’s achievements to Kenya’s broader national goals, reminding graduates and stakeholders alike that the country is in a defining moment that demands expertise, innovation, and a relentless commitment to sustainable water solutions.

A Ceremony Rooted in Purpose and National Vision

The theme of this year’s graduation, “Empowering Water Professionals for Climate Resilience and Sustainable Development,” was not a decorative phrase for the day. It spoke directly to the challenges and opportunities Kenya faces in an era where climate change has amplified the country’s vulnerability to droughts, flooding, water scarcity, and declining agricultural yields.

In his remarks, PS Kimotho emphasized that this theme connects strongly with the irrigation sub-sector. The State Department for Irrigation is at the centre of Kenya’s strategy for climate-smart agriculture, water conservation, and the expansion of irrigation technologies that ensure farmers produce more food even when rainfall becomes unreliable.

By aligning education with climate realities, KEWI has created a pipeline of professionals who understand not only the technical aspects of water management but also the environmental and socio-economic contexts in which these skills will be applied. The ceremony therefore symbolized a meaningful step forward for the country because it is not enough to invest in projects; Kenya must also invest in the people who drive them.

1,300 Graduands Ready to Shape Kenya’s Water Landscape

For the 1,300 young professionals graduating from KEWI, the ceremony marked the beginning of an exciting and impactful journey. These are individuals who have spent years training in specialized fields such as water technology, irrigation engineering, water resource management, wastewater treatment, and water quality control. Their training equips them to solve some of the country’s most pressing water challenges.

As the PS noted, this new group has unlocked its potential to strengthen water management systems across Kenya. Their knowledge will help reduce non-revenue water, a persistent problem that drains millions of shillings from public utilities every year. They will play a role in designing, maintaining, and expanding irrigation systems that allow farmers to produce consistently. They will bring expertise into our villages, communities, counties, and national institutions, improving water access and contributing to socio-economic transformation.

The value of these graduates stretches far beyond technical roles. They are joining a profession that touches the daily lives of millions of Kenyans. Clean drinking water, functioning sewer systems, efficient water distribution, and well-managed boreholes do not appear by accident. They are the product of skilled professionals who understand how water systems work, how to fix them, and how to innovate when circumstances change.

Why Their Skills Matter Now More Than Ever

Kenya is in a period where water professionals are urgently needed. The country continues to expand its irrigated land as part of a broader national agenda to increase food production and reduce overreliance on rain-fed agriculture. With the effects of climate change intensifying, irrigation is no longer a luxury. It has become a critical tool for national survival and resilience.

This is why the State Department for Irrigation has been implementing climate-smart irrigation systems that use modern technology to maximize efficiency and reduce wastage. These include drip irrigation, solar-powered pumping, water harvesting infrastructure, and smart monitoring systems that allow farmers to use water only where and when it is needed. Such innovations require skilled technicians who can maintain equipment, analyze data, and train farmers on proper usage.

The new KEWI graduates are entering the sector at a moment when every skill they possess is needed. Their contribution will help solve challenges such as declining water tables, increasing competition for water resources, and the pressure to provide reliable water for households, agriculture, and industry.

Driving Down Non-Revenue Water and Improving Efficiency

One of the issues PS Kimotho highlighted is the problem of non-revenue water, which refers to water that is produced but never reaches consumers due to illegal connections, leakages, poor infrastructure, or weak management systems. This problem has long affected Kenya’s water utilities and continues to slow progress toward universal water access.

Reducing non-revenue water requires technical expertise combined with strong operational discipline. KEWI graduates will be central to implementing leak detection technologies, modern metering systems, structured maintenance plans, and accurate water auditing processes. By bringing new skills into county water utilities, community water projects, and private sector systems, these professionals will help increase efficiency and reduce wastage.

This efficiency has a direct impact on food security as well. When irrigation systems deliver water consistently, agricultural yields rise, farmers earn more, and communities become less vulnerable to hunger and economic shocks. The role of these graduates is therefore not confined to infrastructure; it extends to livelihoods and stability.

Supporting Kenya’s Socio-Economic Transformation

The broader goal of Kenya’s water and irrigation sector is not only to deliver clean water or support farming. It is to contribute significantly to national development. Water is the backbone of agriculture, manufacturing, health, education, tourism, energy, and nearly every other sector. Without reliable water systems, Kenya cannot grow at the pace needed to meet its economic aspirations.

This is why the State Department for Irrigation celebrates the arrival of new professionals who will support ongoing projects across the country. These include smallholder irrigation schemes, large-scale national projects, water harvesting initiatives, flood control structures, and community water supply systems. The success of these projects depends on the men and women trained in institutions like KEWI.

The PS’s message made it clear that these graduands are joining the sector at a moment when their contribution will be transformative. Kenya is restructuring its agricultural systems, investing in climate resilience, and pursuing technological innovation as part of its long-term strategy. Every step in this transformation relies on a skilled workforce that understands water as both a resource and a driver of development.

A Celebration and a Call to Action

While the ceremony was a moment of celebration, it was also a call to action. The graduates have been equipped with knowledge, and the responsibility now lies in how they apply it. The State Department for Irrigation, as the PS affirmed, stands ready to collaborate with them, provide opportunities, and ensure that their skills strengthen the nation’s water resilience.

Kenya’s future depends on professionals who are ready to work with integrity, innovation, and commitment. The 1,300 KEWI graduates have joined a sector that needs their energy and expertise. Their journey begins today, and the impact they make will shape the country for generations.

Article by Victor Patience Oyuko. To by coffee: 0708883777

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