Augustine MuthuriIn recent months, the Galana-Kulalu irrigation project has emerged as a beacon of hope for Kenya’s aspirations for food security. Located within the coastal region, straddling Kilifi and Tana River counties, this ambitious initiative aims to tackle the country’s enduring maize shortage. Maize, being the staple food for many Kenyans, with an annual consumption rate of approximately 48 million bags, underscores the importance of this project.
Historically, the Galana project has faced numerous challenges that have hindered its progress and delayed initial completion timelines. Notably, in 2019, a significant setback occurred when the government terminated its contract with the initial contractor, resulting in a stall in operations. Recognizing the project’s critical role in enhancing agricultural production and productivity, President William Ruto has been proactive in revitalizing the initiative. Recently, he presided over the signing of a memorandum of understanding with Abu Dhabi’s Al Dahra agribusiness company, aimed at expanding the scope of the Galana-Kulalu project.
During the signing ceremony at State House in Nairobi, President Ruto emphasized the importance of irrigation as a cornerstone of Kenya’s food security value chain. “Our plan is to ensure increased agricultural production and productivity to feed the nation,” he declared, highlighting the government’s commitment to transition from reliance on rain-fed agriculture to a more sustainable irrigation model.
The government’s investment, estimated at $52.67 million (Sh6.79 billion), in partnership with the private sector is poised to introduce transformative changes. The National Irrigation Authority is leading the implementation efforts for this project, which promises to be the largest of its kind in East and Southern Africa. On completion, the project is expected to significantly alleviate the perennial maize shortage, potentially meeting 41 percent of the country’s annual demand.
Looking ahead, the scale of intentions for the Galana project includes leasing farmland to Al Dahra for a whopping $800 million investment. This partnership is expected to see the cultivation of 200,000 acres of land, boosting both local employment opportunities and agricultural output. The National Irrigation Authority has revealed plans for production on the currently developed 10,000 acres, with an additional 10,000 acres earmarked for the medium term.
Long-term plans include the construction of the Galana Dam, which is projected to support food production on an extensive 350,000 acres. The dam is designed to hold up to 306 million cubic meters of water, effectively ensuring a consistent supply for irrigation. With proposals from the China Road and Bridge Corporation and Selu Ltd, the momentum for development is gathering pace. Selu Ltd is already advancing to trial production on the developed land, paving the way for wider operations.
As these initiatives unfold, hopes are high that the Galana-Kulalu project will not only contribute to food security but also foster economic growth and self-sufficiency in Kenya’s agricultural sector. The revitalization of the project signifies a renewed focus on strategic partnerships and investments in agriculture, positioning Kenya closer to achieving its vision of sustainable food security. Thus, the Galana-Kulalu irrigation initiative stands as a transformative development within Kenya’s agricultural landscape, promising a brighter future for its farmers and, ultimately, its citizens.
