Irrigation PS Announces New Tenders in Major Push for Agricultural Growth

 

Kenya's journey towards food security, climate resilience, and rural economic transformation is increasingly being shaped by investments in irrigation and water infrastructure. While public attention often focuses on completed projects, the truth is that every major development begins much earlier, at the planning and procurement stage where resources are mobilized, contractors are identified, and implementation frameworks are put in place.

The latest tender notice issued by the State Department for Irrigation under the Ministry of Water, Sanitation and Irrigation offers an important glimpse into the scale of investment currently being directed towards irrigation development and water security across the country. The announcement, made under the mandate provided by Executive Order No. 01 of 2023, invites qualified contractors to participate in twenty-seven projects spread across multiple counties, reflecting the Government's continued commitment to expanding irrigation infrastructure and improving access to water for both agricultural and domestic use.

The tender programme comes at a time when Kenya is seeking to increase agricultural productivity, reduce dependence on rain-fed farming, strengthen climate resilience, and improve livelihoods in both rural and urban communities. Under the leadership of Irrigation Principal Secretary CPA Ephantus Kimotho, the State Department for Irrigation has continued to pursue investments that seek to transform water from a limiting factor into a productive economic resource capable of driving growth and prosperity.

A Nationwide Investment in Irrigation and Water Infrastructure

One of the most notable aspects of the tender notice is its geographical reach. Rather than concentrating investments in a few regions, the projects are distributed across several counties, reflecting the diverse water and irrigation needs that exist throughout the country.

Among the largest projects advertised are the Karima Kabutu Irrigation Project in Othaya, Nyeri County, the Nyamaji Phase 2 Irrigation Project in Suba North, Homa Bay County, the Subego Irrigation Project in Ndaragwa, Nyandarua County, and the Nyandiwa Irrigation Project in Suba South, Homa Bay County. Each of these projects carries a tender security requirement of KSh 5 million, underscoring their significance within the department's broader irrigation development agenda.

These projects represent more than engineering works. They form part of a larger effort to expand productive agricultural land, improve farmer incomes, and increase national food production through reliable access to irrigation water.

Expanding Water Access in Arid and Semi-Arid Areas

A significant portion of the advertised projects targets counties that have historically faced water scarcity challenges. Several water pan and borehole initiatives have been earmarked for Mandera, Wajir, Meru, Nandi, Uasin Gishu, and Tana River counties.

The Teso Rhamu Waterpan Project in Mandera West and the Chiracha Waterpan Project in Banisa, Mandera County, are expected to enhance water availability for communities and livestock while creating opportunities for irrigation-based agriculture. Similarly, the Turguda Dayah Waterpan and Wehir Waterpan projects in Wajir County seek to strengthen water security in one of Kenya's most drought-prone regions.

The tender notice also includes community-focused irrigation boreholes in schools. Simbi Primary School in Nandi County, Hajilo Primary School in Wajir West, Kapkoros Primary School in Uasin Gishu, and several schools in Meru County are set to benefit from irrigation borehole projects. These investments demonstrate an understanding that water infrastructure can simultaneously support education, nutrition programmes, food production, and community livelihoods.

Supporting Community-Based Irrigation Development

The State Department for Irrigation has also included consultancy services aimed at supporting irrigation development in Tana River County. One tender seeks consultancy services for a community liaison consultant for the Bura Irrigation Scheme, while another focuses on technical advisory services for the expansion and commercialization of the same scheme.

The inclusion of these consultancy assignments highlights an important aspect of modern irrigation development. Successful projects require more than physical infrastructure. They depend on effective stakeholder engagement, technical expertise, community participation, and sustainable operational models that ensure long-term success.

The Bura Irrigation Scheme has long been viewed as one of Kenya's strategic irrigation assets, and efforts to strengthen its performance could contribute significantly to food production and rural economic growth.

Opening Opportunities for Women Through AGPO

One of the most progressive features of the tender notice is the allocation of specific projects under the Access to Government Procurement Opportunities programme.

Several earth dam and irrigation projects in Machakos and Kitui counties have been reserved exclusively for women-owned enterprises. These include the Kwa Kimoni Earth Dam Irrigation Project in Machakos Constituency, the Ing'uluni Water Pan in Machakos Town, the Kikuuni Earth Dam in Masinga Constituency, the Kithatani Earth Dam in Kangundo Constituency, and the Komu Earth Dam Irrigation Project in Kitui West Constituency.

By reserving these opportunities for women contractors, the State Department for Irrigation is supporting greater participation of women in public procurement while promoting inclusive economic development.

Importantly, these projects do not require conventional tender securities. Instead, eligible bidders are only required to submit Tender Securing Declaration Forms, making participation more accessible and reducing financial barriers that often prevent smaller enterprises from competing.

Creating Opportunities for Youth-Led Enterprises

The tender notice also reserves several projects specifically for youth-owned businesses under the AGPO framework.

Among the projects set aside for youth contractors are the Kio Dam Irrigation Project in Mwingi West Constituency, the Munyuni Dam Kaliku Location Irrigation Project, the Kwa Kiluva Dam Irrigation Project in Kaiti Constituency, the Kaumoni Irrigation Project in Makueni County, and the Nzaikoni Matingi Ward Irrigation Project in Kibwezi West Constituency.

These projects represent more than procurement opportunities. They provide practical avenues for young entrepreneurs to participate in national development while gaining experience, building capacity, and creating employment opportunities within their communities.

The approach aligns with broader government efforts to increase youth participation in economic activities and expand access to public procurement opportunities.

Supporting Persons with Disabilities Through Targeted Procurement

The State Department for Irrigation has also reserved two projects specifically for enterprises owned by persons with disabilities.

These include the Kwa Matinga Earth Dam Irrigation Project in Makueni Constituency and the Yikivumbu Dam Irrigation Project in Kibwezi East Constituency.

Like the projects reserved for women and youth, these tenders utilize Tender Securing Declaration Forms instead of monetary tender securities. This policy reflects the department's commitment to ensuring that public procurement opportunities remain accessible to all segments of society.

The decision reinforces the principle that development should be inclusive and that public investment should create opportunities for participation across diverse groups.

Measures to Promote Fair Competition

A notable feature of the tender notice is the strict limitation placed on bidders regarding the number of projects they may pursue.

The State Department for Irrigation has clearly stated that firms will not be allowed to tender for more than two projects. Any contractor found to have submitted bids for three or more tenders will be automatically disqualified.

This measure is designed to promote wider distribution of opportunities, encourage fair competition, and prevent excessive concentration of projects among a small number of firms.

Such provisions can help ensure that more contractors participate in public projects while strengthening accountability and delivery capacity across the sector.

Digital Procurement and Accessibility

All tender documents are available electronically and free of charge through the Government's electronic procurement system at egpkenya.go.ke.

The move towards digital procurement continues Kenya's broader efforts to improve transparency, accessibility, and efficiency in public procurement processes. By eliminating document purchase costs and providing online access, the State Department for Irrigation is making it easier for interested firms to participate regardless of their location.

The department has also provided support mechanisms for bidders experiencing technical difficulties. Contractors facing challenges in accessing or uploading tender documents are advised to seek assistance from the e-GP Help Desk located at KISM Towers along Ngong Road in Nairobi.

Important Submission Timeline

Interested bidders are required to submit completed tenders electronically through the e-GP system in accordance with the requirements contained in the tender documents.

The closing and opening date for all tenders has been set for 15th June 2026 at 11.00 a.m. Immediately after the deadline, bids will be opened electronically through the procurement system.

Prospective contractors are therefore encouraged to review the tender requirements early, prepare the necessary documentation, and avoid last-minute submissions that could be affected by technical challenges.

More Than a Tender Notice

Viewed simply as a procurement announcement, the notice represents an opportunity for contractors to secure government projects. Viewed more broadly, however, it reflects a significant national investment in irrigation development, water security, climate resilience, agricultural productivity, and rural transformation.

The projects span irrigation schemes, dams, water pans, boreholes, and technical support services. They touch communities in multiple counties and create opportunities not only for farmers and water users but also for contractors, consultants, women-owned businesses, youth enterprises, and persons with disabilities.

Under the stewardship of Irrigation Principal Secretary CPA Ephantus Kimotho, the State Department for Irrigation continues to pursue an ambitious agenda aimed at expanding irrigation infrastructure and improving water access across the country. These tenders provide another indication of the scale of that effort and the growing recognition that sustainable development begins with reliable access to water.

For contractors seeking opportunities, for communities anticipating improved water access, and for stakeholders interested in Kenya's irrigation future, this tender notice marks an important step in the continuing effort to strengthen the country's water and agricultural infrastructure for generations to come.

Article by Victor Patience Oyuko. To buy coffee Mpesa 0708883777

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