PS Kimotho Champions Smallholder Irrigation Expansion in Talks With German Delegation



Irrigation Principal Secretary Ephantus Kimotho today hosted a high-level German delegation led by Mr. Yannic Kiewitt, the Country Officer for Kenya at the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development. The courtesy call came at a timely moment, arriving just months before the Government-to-Government negotiations scheduled for Summer 2026. The meeting provided a calm yet purposeful space to reflect on the long-standing partnership between Kenya and Germany, a partnership that has consistently delivered practical solutions for farmers and strengthened the foundations of irrigation development in the country.

The discussions were not just ceremonial. They were a continuation of a journey that has shaped modern irrigation in Kenya, guided thousands of farmers toward better yields, and reinforced the shared belief that climate-resilient agriculture is central to national prosperity. For PS Ephantus Kimotho, the meeting affirmed one thing: partnerships grounded in trust and tangible results must be nurtured, expanded, and aligned with Kenya’s long-term agenda to boost food production.

A Well-Established Collaboration with Proven Success

One of the key areas of reflection during the meeting was the Smallholder Irrigation Programme in the Mount Kenya region. The initiative stands out as one of the most impactful collaborations between the State Department for Irrigation and the Government of Germany. Over the years, it has supported nearly 10,000 farmers through 24 irrigation projects, enabling households to shift from rain-fed farming to predictable, year-round production.

The programme has created a clear blueprint for how modern irrigation can uplift smallholder farmers. Communities that once had limited access to structured water systems now grow high-value crops, earn higher incomes, and contribute more consistently to local food markets. These successes are not theoretical; they are lived experiences across Meru, Tharaka Nithi, Embu, and neighbouring counties.

Motivated by these results, PS Ephantus Kimotho expressed the commitment of the State Department for Irrigation to scale the same model to Western Kenya and other regions. The goal is to expand agricultural potential, support rural economies, and give more smallholder farmers the tools they need to thrive in an era of unpredictable weather patterns.

Expanding Irrigation Through Strategic Investment

A major focus of the meeting was the future direction of Kenya–Germany cooperation, especially in areas that can unlock private-sector-driven growth in irrigation. One of the most promising proposals discussed was the establishment of an Irrigation De-risking Fund. This fund is expected to reduce risk for private investors who support irrigation infrastructure, modern pumping systems, and agricultural value chains.

By lowering investment risks, the fund can attract more financing from banks, agritech companies, input suppliers, and commercial partners. This is the kind of strategic thinking that Kenya needs to accelerate irrigation expansion without placing pressure on public resources. PS Ephantus Kimotho emphasized that Kenya’s irrigation agenda must be backed by innovative financial models that make farming more profitable and resilient.

Building Resilience in ASAL Counties

Another priority area in the discussions was the expansion of the Drought Resilience Programme Phase II in arid and semi-arid lands. These counties face the harshest impacts of climate change. Prolonged dry spells, shrinking water sources, and dwindling pasture continue to threaten communities that depend heavily on livestock and smallholder farming.

Through structured drought-resilience programmes, the government can support irrigation systems that reduce livestock losses, improve water availability, and encourage communities to adopt more stable and productive economic activities. PS Ephantus Kimotho highlighted how these programmes play a significant role in reducing humanitarian crises and giving communities long-lasting tools for survival and prosperity.

Strengthening Value Chains Through Market Access

Beyond irrigation infrastructure, the meeting also explored market access and value addition—two areas that determine how much farmers actually benefit from increased production. The discussions focused on agro-processing, storage, and structured distribution systems that reduce losses and increase farmer earnings.

A key point of interest was the role of County Aggregation and Industrial Parks. These parks are emerging as essential centres for processing, packaging, and connecting produce to formal markets. By aligning irrigation development with the growth of these parks, farmers can grow more, process more, and earn more. PS Ephantus Kimotho reaffirmed that irrigation must not stop at supplying water. It must lead to functioning value chains where farmers move from subsistence to commercial success.

Commitment to the President’s One Million Acres Under Irrigation Agenda

Throughout the meeting, PS Ephantus Kimotho emphasized the government’s resolve to place one million acres under irrigation. The commitment is not just about increasing acreage. It is about transforming the economic strength of counties, stabilising food supplies, and reducing Kenya’s vulnerability to climate shocks.

The role of smallholder farmers remains central to this transformation. With proper irrigation tools, reliable water sources, and clear market opportunities, they can become consistent drivers of national food production. The State Department for Irrigation continues to position farmers at the centre of policy design, infrastructure development, and technology adoption.

A Partnership Focused on the Future

The courtesy call marked an important milestone in Kenya’s journey toward agricultural modernization. The upcoming G2G negotiations will offer a critical platform for Kenya and Germany to align on new priorities, strengthen existing programmes, and create pathways for innovations that support irrigation development.

For PS Ephantus Kimotho, the meeting reinforced a simple truth: successful partnerships do not rely on talks alone. They rely on a shared vision, a track record of impact, and a firm commitment to farmers. By building on the foundations already laid, Kenya and Germany stand ready to deliver even greater achievements in the months and years ahead.

The discussions today were forward-looking. They recognised the challenges ahead but also the immense possibilities that irrigation brings. As the State Department for Irrigation continues to champion innovation and farmer empowerment, partnerships like this one will remain essential in ensuring that Kenya becomes more food secure, more climate resilient, and more productive.

The path toward sustainable agriculture is a collective effort. And with leaders like PS Ephantus Kimotho engaging partners with clarity and purpose, the country is on a strong footing for progress.

Article by Victor Patience Oyuko.  To buy coffee: 0708883777

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