Irrigation Secretary Eng. Vincent Kabuti Leads German Delegation in Gatene Project Inspection

The Gatene Irrigation Project in Manyatta Constituency, Embu County, received strong commendation today as a senior delegation from the German Cooperation, accompanied by officials from the State Department for Irrigation, conducted an extensive inspection of the scheme. 

The mission was led by the Irrigation Secretary, Eng. Vincent Kabuti, OGW, and the Director for Irrigation Development, Mr. Daniel Odero, who hosted the visiting team from KfW and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development. The German delegation was headed by Mr. Yannic Kiewitt, who reaffirmed Germany’s commitment to supporting Kenya’s long-term irrigation expansion and climate-resilient agriculture.

Their visit offered a detailed assessment of the project’s performance, especially now that it is under the defect liability period. The team confirmed that the entire system is fully functional, stable, and delivering tangible impact to farming households across the region.

A Fully Operational System Transforming 373 Households

At the heart of the inspection was a clear finding: the Gatene Irrigation Project has transitioned successfully from implementation to full operation, with 202 acres already under irrigation and 373 households benefiting directly. The project’s infrastructure was found to be in excellent working condition, supporting reliable and consistent water delivery to farms throughout the year.

Farmers in the scheme are now producing a diverse range of crops, including maize, coffee, French beans, capsicum, tomatoes, and fodder, while also integrating livestock enterprises. This diversity has contributed to strong household income growth and greater resilience to market and climatic shocks. 

The inspection team noted that the shift from rain-fed farming to controlled, year-round irrigation has been transformative for the community, enhancing food security and reducing the vulnerability traditionally associated with drought and unpredictable rainfall.

Driving Climate-Resilient Agriculture in Embu

One of the standout successes of the Gatene Irrigation Project is its contribution to climate resilience. 


With a dependable and well-managed abstraction system drawing water from the Nyanjara River, farmers are no longer at the mercy of erratic seasons. Access to stable irrigation has allowed them to plan, plant, and harvest with confidence, significantly reducing crop losses that previously followed prolonged dry spells.

The delegation highlighted the widespread adoption of climate-smart practices across the project. These include efficient water use technologies, cultivation of high-value horticultural crops, and integration of livestock production to optimise land and resource use. 

These approaches not only increase productivity but also strengthen soil health, improve household nutrition, and contribute directly to national food security goals.

By nurturing a farming system that thrives even as climate variability increases, Gatene has emerged as a model of how targeted irrigation investments can safeguard agricultural productivity and build resilience for future generations.

Opening Access to Better Markets Through Cooperative Strength

Beyond improved production, the project has also strengthened market access for local farmers. Through the Gatene Irrigation Cooperative Society, farmers are able to aggregate their produce, receive market linkages, and negotiate better prices. 

This collective approach has unlocked premium markets for horticultural produce and created new opportunities for value addition.

The cooperative model continues to play a central role in ensuring that the benefits of irrigation extend beyond individual farms. It helps coordinate crop calendars, maintain quality standards, and facilitate group marketing. As a result, farmers have greater bargaining power and reduced post-harvest losses, making their operations more profitable and sustainable.

The inspection team observed that the cooperative-led marketing structure is one of the strongest indicators of a mature, well-managed irrigation system that delivers not just water, but long-term economic benefits.

A Successful Co-Financing Model Anchored in Ownership and Accountability

A key focus of the inspection was the innovative 50:50 co-financing model, which has been a cornerstone of the Gatene Irrigation Project. Under this framework, farmers contribute half of the financing through Equity Bank, while the Government of Kenya, supported by KfW, covers the remaining cost. This structure has instilled a high level of ownership among farmers, who are responsible for the operation, maintenance, and administration of the scheme.

The German delegation praised the model as a practical demonstration of shared responsibility and sustainability. Because farmers have a direct financial stake in the system, they have embraced strong management discipline and a culture of accountability that enhances the long-term viability of the project.

This financing approach also reduces dependency on recurrent government support, improves cost recovery, and strengthens cooperative-led governance. It is a model that both Kenyan and German teams view as suitable for replication in other regions seeking stable, farmer-led irrigation development.

A Model for Future Irrigation Expansion

Today’s inspection underscored a broader message: the Gatene Irrigation Project is more than an irrigation system, it is a blueprint for sustainable agricultural transformation. The strong collaboration between the State Department for Irrigation, the German Cooperation, and local farmers has created a thriving project that demonstrates the power of structured investment, local ownership, and climate-smart innovation.

The delegation commended the farmers, local leadership, and technical teams for maintaining the infrastructure and ensuring that it delivers maximum benefit to the community. With stable water supply, diversified crop production, cooperative marketing, and a proven financing model, the Gatene project is well-positioned to contribute to national food supply and reduce reliance on imported produce.

A Partnership Strengthening Kenya’s Irrigation Future

The successful inspection reaffirmed the enduring partnership between Kenya and Germany in advancing irrigation systems that place communities at the centre of development. The Gatene project represents what is possible when technical expertise, co-financing, and local commitment intersect to build resilient agricultural systems.

As Kenya continues its journey toward expanding irrigated land and building a food-secure future, Gatene stands as a living example of how collaboration can turn potential into progress. Through strong institutional support, community leadership, and continued cooperation with development partners, the State Department for Irrigation is demonstrating that climate-resilient irrigation is not just achievable, it is already taking root across the country.

Article by Victor Patience Oyuko.  To buy coffee: 0708883777

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