Coordinating Water and Irrigation for National Transformation

 

The Government has reaffirmed its commitment to water security, food security and sustainable development through a high-level consultative meeting chaired by the Cabinet Secretary for Water, Sanitation and Irrigation, Eng. Eric Mugaa, at Maji House in Nairobi. The meeting brought together senior leadership from across the water and irrigation sectors, including the Principal Secretary for the State Department for Irrigation, CPA Ephantus Kimotho, the Principal Secretary for the State Department for Water and Sanitation, Mr. Julius Korir, and Chief Executive Officers from all water and irrigation agencies.

At its core, the engagement was about alignment. It reflected a shared recognition that Kenya’s water, sanitation and irrigation challenges are interconnected and that meaningful progress depends on coordinated delivery across institutions, levels of government and sectors. For the State Department for Irrigation, the meeting provided an important platform to situate irrigation firmly within the broader national development agenda while sharpening focus on delivery, governance and impact.

A Unified Leadership Moment

The presence of political and technical leadership in one forum sent a clear signal of intent. Cabinet Secretary Eng. Eric Mugaa’s chairing of the meeting underscored the Ministry’s determination to move beyond fragmented implementation towards a more integrated approach. For Irrigation PS Ephantus Kimotho, the session reinforced the central role of irrigation in achieving food security, climate resilience and inclusive economic growth.

Such high-level coordination is particularly important at a time when the country is scaling up investment in water and irrigation infrastructure. Decisions made at this level shape priorities, unlock financing and set expectations for accountability across agencies. The consultative nature of the meeting also reflected an understanding that complex challenges require shared ownership rather than siloed solutions.

Water Security as a National Imperative

Ensuring equitable access to clean and safe water remains a top priority for the Government. The meeting reaffirmed this commitment, recognising water as both a social good and an economic enabler. For millions of households, access to reliable water determines health outcomes, productivity and quality of life.

From the perspective of the State Department for Irrigation, water security is inseparable from agricultural transformation. Irrigation systems depend on well-managed water resources, effective storage and efficient conveyance. Strengthening water governance therefore directly supports irrigation expansion and reduces vulnerability to climate shocks.

The discussions at Maji House emphasised efficiency and sustainability, highlighting the need to maximise the impact of existing resources while planning for future demand. This approach aligns with the State Department for Irrigation’s focus on climate-smart systems that deliver more value per unit of water.

Strengthening Sanitation and Sector Efficiency

Sanitation services were also central to the meeting’s agenda. Improved sanitation reduces disease burden, protects water sources and enhances community wellbeing. For irrigation schemes located near settlements, effective sanitation is essential to prevent contamination of water used for agriculture and domestic purposes.

By addressing water, sanitation and irrigation together, the Government is reinforcing a holistic approach to resource management. This integrated perspective is critical for achieving long-term sustainability, particularly in densely populated or water-stressed regions.

Irrigation as a Pillar of Food Security

Food security featured prominently in the discussions, with irrigation identified as a key economic and resilience pillar. Kenya’s reliance on rain-fed agriculture has long exposed farmers to climate variability. Expanding irrigation offers a pathway to stable production, higher yields and diversified cropping systems.

Irrigation PS Ephantus Kimotho used the meeting to reaffirm the Government’s commitment to increasing the acreage under irrigation through both flagship and community-based schemes. These initiatives are designed not only to boost national food production but also to support livelihoods and drive inclusive growth in rural areas.

Flagship projects provide scale and strategic impact, while community-based schemes empower smallholder farmers to adopt irrigation technologies suited to local conditions. Together, they form a balanced portfolio that addresses national food needs while strengthening household resilience.

Governance and Accountability at the Centre

Enhancing governance was a recurring theme throughout the meeting. Effective governance ensures that projects are delivered on time, resources are used efficiently and communities receive tangible benefits. For the State Department for Irrigation, governance reforms are essential to sustaining momentum as investment scales up.

The meeting reinforced the importance of clear institutional roles, transparent decision-making and strong oversight mechanisms. It also highlighted the need for closer collaboration between national and county governments, particularly in areas where responsibilities intersect.

By deepening intergovernmental collaboration, the irrigation sector can reduce duplication, resolve bottlenecks and accelerate delivery. This collaborative approach is especially important for community-based schemes, which often rely on county-level engagement for successful implementation and long-term management.

Accelerating Project Implementation

Beyond policy and planning, the meeting focused on delivery. Accelerating project implementation requires not only financing but also coordination, technical capacity and political support. The presence of agency CEOs allowed for frank discussions on challenges and opportunities across the project lifecycle.

For Irrigation PS Ephantus Kimotho, the emphasis on delivery aligns with ongoing efforts to unlock stalled projects, improve contractor performance and strengthen monitoring frameworks. Faster delivery translates into earlier benefits for farmers, communities and the economy.

The discussions also acknowledged the importance of learning from past experiences. By identifying what has worked and what has not, the sector can refine approaches and improve outcomes across new and ongoing projects.

Collaboration as a Force Multiplier

A key outcome of the consultative meeting was a renewed commitment to collaboration. Water and irrigation challenges cut across mandates, making cooperation not optional but essential. By bringing together leadership from all agencies, the meeting created space for shared problem-solving and strategic alignment.

For the State Department for Irrigation, collaboration extends beyond government to include development partners, the private sector and communities. While the Maji House meeting focused on internal alignment, it set the tone for broader partnerships that will be critical in mobilising resources and expertise.

Linking Irrigation to National Prosperity

The broader significance of the meeting lies in its connection to national prosperity. Water security underpins economic activity across sectors, while irrigation drives agricultural growth, employment and food affordability. Together, they form the backbone of a resilient economy.

By situating irrigation within the national development agenda, the Government is signalling that agriculture remains central to Kenya’s future. Investments in irrigation are not just about producing food. They are about stabilising prices, reducing imports, creating jobs and supporting inclusive growth.

Leadership and Continuity

The active participation of Irrigation PS Ephantus Kimotho in the meeting reflected continuity and focus within the State Department for Irrigation. As the sector navigates complex challenges, consistent leadership helps maintain direction and momentum.

The consultative engagement also demonstrated the importance of alignment between political leadership and technical teams. When priorities are clearly articulated at the top, implementation becomes more coherent and effective across institutions.

Laying the Foundation for the Year Ahead

As the year ahead unfolds, the outcomes of the Maji House meeting will shape actions across the water and irrigation sectors. The strategic agenda set during the engagement provides a roadmap for coordinated delivery, strengthened governance and accelerated impact.

For the State Department for Irrigation, the meeting reaffirmed its role as a driver of food security and resilience. By working closely with sister departments, agencies and counties, the Department is positioning irrigation as a central pillar of national development.

Ultimately, the consultative meeting underscored a shared vision. Water security, sanitation and irrigation are not separate ambitions but interconnected goals that, when pursued together, can transform lives. Through coordinated leadership and sustained commitment, the Government is laying a strong foundation for a more resilient, food-secure and prosperous Kenya.

Article by Victor Patience Oyuko. To buy coffee Mpesa 0708883777