PS Kimotho Chairs High-Level Engagement to Unlock Athi/Galana Dam

Kenya’s bold transition from rain-fed agriculture to reliable, large-scale irrigated farming took a significant step forward today as the Principal Secretary, State Department for Irrigation, CPA Ephantus Kimotho, chaired a high-level stakeholders’ engagement meeting on the construction of the Athi/Galana Dam. The project is a flagship initiative under the Presidential Declaration to construct fifty (50) mega dams across the country, a transformative agenda aimed at expanding irrigation infrastructure, enhancing national food security, and strengthening climate resilience.

The Athi/Galana Dam is strategically positioned as one of the most consequential water infrastructure investments in Kenya’s history. Designed to support large-scale agricultural production and integrated water use, the dam will play a central role in unlocking the full potential of the Galana Kulalu Food Security Project, one of the country’s most ambitious agricultural undertakings.

A KSh 40 Billion Milestone Towards Irrigated Agriculture

A major milestone for the project was achieved on 30th December, when the Government signed a KSh 40 billion contract for the construction of the Athi/Galana Dam. This marked the formal transition of the project from planning to execution, underscoring the Government’s determination to fast-track irrigation-led agricultural transformation.

Once operational, the dam is projected to support agricultural production across approximately 300,000 acres of land in Galana Kulalu, spanning Tana River and Kilifi counties. This vast irrigated acreage has the potential to produce up to 14 million bags of maize annually, significantly reducing Kenya’s reliance on food imports while stabilising domestic food supply. Beyond crop production, the project will also boost livestock farming and aquaculture, creating a diversified and resilient agricultural ecosystem.

Strategic Review Ahead of Groundbreaking

The stakeholder engagement meeting, convened ahead of the project’s groundbreaking, brought together a multi-agency steering committee tasked with assessing project readiness and agreeing on priority actions necessary to ensure a smooth and timely rollout. Chaired by PS Kimotho, the meeting provided a platform for aligning institutions, clarifying roles, and reinforcing accountability across government.

Key priority actions identified during the engagement included securing the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) licence, completing land acquisition for critical infrastructure, issuing Water Resources Authority (WRA) permits, and ensuring full and unhindered access to the project site for all implementing agencies. These steps were recognised as foundational to de-risking the project and maintaining momentum as construction begins.

Whole-of-Government Coordination at the Centre

In his remarks, PS Ephantus Kimotho emphasised that the successful delivery of a project of this magnitude depends on strong coordination across national government institutions. He noted that the Athi/Galana Dam is not merely an irrigation project but a multi-sectoral development initiative with far-reaching socio-economic implications.

The engagement reaffirmed a shared commitment to a whole-of-government approach, ensuring that technical, environmental, legal, and logistical processes move in tandem. This integrated model reflects the Government’s evolving approach to infrastructure delivery, where collaboration replaces silos and shared outcomes take precedence over institutional boundaries.

Driving Food Security Through Irrigation Expansion

At the core of the Athi/Galana Dam project is the Government’s strategic prioritisation of irrigation as a key pillar of food security and economic resilience. With climate variability increasingly disrupting rainfall patterns, large-scale water storage and controlled irrigation have become indispensable to sustaining agricultural productivity.

Through the leadership of the State Department for Irrigation, the Government has intensified efforts to expand irrigation infrastructure nationwide, focusing on both flagship mega projects and community-based schemes. The Athi/Galana Dam exemplifies this dual objective: delivering national-scale food security while catalysing local economic development in arid and semi-arid regions.

Climate Resilience and Sustainable Water Management

Beyond food production, the Athi/Galana Dam is a critical climate adaptation investment. By capturing and regulating water flows, the dam will mitigate the impacts of prolonged droughts and extreme weather events, which have increasingly affected agricultural communities across the country.

The project aligns with Kenya’s broader climate resilience agenda by promoting sustainable water management, reducing vulnerability to climate shocks, and supporting adaptive livelihoods. In this regard, the Athi/Galana Dam stands as a long-term safeguard for both current and future generations, ensuring that water resources are harnessed responsibly and equitably.

Socio-Economic Transformation and Job Creation

The anticipated socio-economic benefits of the Athi/Galana Dam extend well beyond agriculture. The construction phase alone is expected to generate thousands of direct and indirect jobs, stimulating local economies and creating income opportunities for surrounding communities.

Once operational, the expanded agricultural activity will drive value chain development across farming, processing, transport, and trade. Increased agricultural output will support agro-industrial growth, enhance export potential, and contribute to inclusive national development. Aquaculture and livestock production enabled by reliable water access will further diversify livelihoods and strengthen food systems.

Multi-Agency Participation Signals National Commitment

The engagement meeting was attended by representatives from a wide range of government institutions, reflecting the project’s national importance. These included officials from the Ministry of Water, Sanitation and Irrigation; the Ministry of Mining and Maritime Affairs; the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Forestry; the Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife; the Ministry of Roads and Transport; the Ministry of Energy, among other agencies.

Their participation underscored a collective recognition that the Athi/Galana Dam is a shared national priority, requiring coordinated planning, regulatory alignment, and sustained political and administrative support.

Leadership and Accountability in Project Delivery

Under the stewardship of PS Ephantus Kimotho, the State Department for Irrigation continues to position itself as a results-oriented institution focused on timely delivery, accountability, and impact. By convening stakeholders early and addressing potential bottlenecks ahead of groundbreaking, the Department is demonstrating a proactive approach to project management.

This emphasis on preparedness and coordination reflects lessons drawn from past infrastructure initiatives and signals a new standard for delivering complex, high-value national projects.

Laying the Foundation for Long-Term National Prosperity

As Kenya advances its ambitious irrigation and water infrastructure agenda, the Athi/Galana Dam stands out as a cornerstone investment in food security, climate resilience, and economic transformation. Through strong leadership, inter-agency collaboration, and a clear strategic vision, the project is poised to redefine agricultural production and water management in the country.

By chairing this high-level engagement, PS Ephantus Kimotho reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to delivering sustainable, people-centred development outcomes. As construction moves closer to commencement, the Athi/Galana Dam represents not just a physical structure, but a powerful symbol of Kenya’s resolve to secure its future through smart, coordinated, and forward-looking investments.

Article by Victor Patience Oyuko. To support the blog Mpesa 0708883777

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