PS Kimotho Leads Accountability Push during Irrigation Performance Review

The Government has continued to place irrigation at the centre of Kenya’s food security and climate resilience agenda, with renewed focus on performance, accountability and service delivery. This commitment was evident when the Principal Secretary, State Department for Irrigation, CPA Ephantus Kimotho, led his management team in a comprehensive review of the Department’s performance for the first half of the 2025/26 Financial Year, which concluded in December 2025. The review, held on Tuesday, 20th January, 2026, provided an opportunity to take stock of progress made, reflect on lessons learned and set clear priorities for the remainder of the financial year.

This first Heads of Department meeting of the year was more than a routine administrative exercise. It was a strategic moment to reaffirm the Department’s mandate to deliver reliable irrigation services to Kenyans while strengthening internal systems that support efficiency, transparency and impact. Under the leadership of Irrigation PS Ephantus Kimotho, the session underscored a performance-driven culture that is steadily taking root within the State Department for Irrigation.

Reviewing Performance With Purpose

The mid-year performance review focused on assessing how effectively the Department translated plans into action during the first half of the financial year. Key indicators included project implementation, service delivery outcomes and the overall pace at which irrigation initiatives were being rolled out across the country.

PS Kimotho commended his team for the progress achieved, noting that the Department had recorded improved performance in both project delivery and responsiveness to citizens’ needs. This improvement, he observed, reflected deliberate efforts to tighten coordination, enhance supervision and maintain momentum on priority programmes.

The review also allowed senior managers to interrogate bottlenecks that had slowed implementation in some areas. By openly discussing challenges, the Department reinforced a culture of problem-solving rather than blame, ensuring that corrective measures could be applied early enough to influence outcomes in the second half of the year.

Recognising Service to the People of Kenya

A central theme of the meeting was service to the public. Irrigation PS Ephantus Kimotho emphasised that the true measure of performance lies not in reports or statistics alone, but in the tangible benefits delivered to communities. He lauded officers for their dedication, highlighting that improved irrigation services directly translate into better livelihoods, increased food production and greater resilience to climate shocks.

In the first half of the 2025/26 Financial Year, the Department launched and commissioned several key projects aimed at improving access to water for irrigation. These initiatives were designed to support farmers across diverse regions, from smallholder schemes to larger community-based projects. The cumulative impact of these investments has been to stabilise agricultural production and provide households with a more predictable income base.

By acknowledging the efforts of his team, PS Kimotho reinforced the importance of motivation and professionalism within the public service. Such recognition not only boosts morale but also strengthens accountability, as officers are reminded that their work has real consequences for millions of Kenyans.

Shifting Focus to Completion of Community Schemes

While celebrating achievements, the meeting also set a clear direction for the months ahead. PS Kimotho challenged the Department to intensify its focus on completing pending community irrigation schemes during the second half of the financial year. These schemes, often serving smallholder farmers, play a critical role in spreading the benefits of irrigation more widely and equitably.

Completion of community projects ensures that investments already made begin to yield returns in the form of food production and income generation. Delays, on the other hand, risk eroding public trust and increasing project costs. By prioritising completion, the Department is signalling a commitment to delivery and value for money.

This focus also aligns with the broader national objective of expanding irrigated acreage while supporting inclusive growth. Community schemes empower farmers to adopt irrigation technologies suited to local conditions, reducing vulnerability to erratic rainfall and strengthening household resilience.

Bringing Services Closer Through Regional Offices

One of the key forward-looking proposals discussed during the meeting was the establishment of regional field offices. PS Kimotho revealed that plans were underway to decentralise operations in order to enhance the Department’s ability to respond swiftly to emerging issues.

Regional offices are expected to bring decision-making closer to the ground, improving communication with farmers, local leaders and county governments. By having officers stationed nearer to project sites, the Department can address technical and administrative challenges before they escalate into crises.

This approach reflects a proactive management philosophy. Rather than reacting to problems after they occur, the State Department for Irrigation aims to anticipate risks and intervene early. For irrigation projects, where delays or system failures can have immediate consequences for crops and livelihoods, timely response is especially important.

Strengthening Accountability Through Sound Financial Management

Financial accountability featured prominently in the performance review, particularly following the State Department’s receipt of an unqualified audit opinion for the 2024/25 Financial Year. PS Kimotho thanked his team for this achievement, describing it as evidence of prudent use of scarce public resources.

An unqualified audit opinion sends a strong signal of credibility and integrity. It reassures citizens, oversight bodies and development partners that funds allocated to irrigation are being managed responsibly. In a sector that relies heavily on public investment, sound financial management is essential for sustaining trust and unlocking future financing.

PS Kimotho emphasised that accountability is not an end in itself, but a means to better service delivery. When resources are used efficiently, more projects can be implemented, and existing systems can be maintained effectively. This discipline ensures that the promise of irrigation-led development translates into lasting benefits.

Linking Performance to National Food Security

The discussions during the meeting consistently linked departmental performance to national priorities, particularly food security. Irrigation remains a key pillar in reducing reliance on rain-fed agriculture and cushioning the country against climate variability.

By reviewing performance mid-year, the Department ensured that its activities remained aligned with national goals. Improved water availability for irrigation supports stable crop production, reduces post-harvest losses and enhances the capacity of farmers to engage in commercial agriculture.

PS Kimotho’s emphasis on results-driven implementation reflects an understanding that irrigation investments must deliver measurable outcomes. Increased food production, improved incomes and strengthened resilience are the benchmarks against which success will ultimately be judged.

Building a Culture of Continuous Improvement

Beyond specific projects and initiatives, the mid-year review highlighted the importance of continuous improvement within the State Department for Irrigation. Regular performance assessments enable the organisation to adapt to changing circumstances and refine its strategies.

The meeting encouraged departments to share best practices and learn from each other’s experiences. Such internal learning strengthens institutional capacity and reduces the risk of repeating mistakes. Over time, this culture of reflection and adaptation contributes to more effective public service delivery.

Leadership and Direction for the Remainder of the Year

As the Department transitions into the second half of the 2025/26 Financial Year, the direction set by Irrigation PS Ephantus Kimotho provides clarity and momentum. The emphasis on completing pending projects, decentralising services and maintaining financial discipline offers a practical roadmap for action.

Leadership at this level plays a critical role in aligning teams around shared objectives. By articulating clear expectations and recognising performance, PS Kimotho reinforced accountability while motivating staff to sustain high standards of service.

Looking Ahead With Confidence

The mid-year performance review marked an important milestone for the State Department for Irrigation. It demonstrated progress made, acknowledged challenges and set priorities for the future. More importantly, it reaffirmed a commitment to delivering tangible benefits to Kenyans through effective irrigation development.

With strengthened governance, improved project implementation and a clear focus on service delivery, the Department is well positioned to build on the gains of the first half of the year. As plans to establish regional offices take shape and community schemes move towards completion, the impact of these efforts will increasingly be felt on farms and in households across the country.

Under the stewardship of Irrigation PS Ephantus Kimotho, the State Department for Irrigation continues to align performance with purpose, ensuring that public resources are translated into water security, food security and improved livelihoods for the people of Kenya.

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