In a bold move to enhance food security and economic resilience, the Kenyan government has unveiled an ambitious plan to expand irrigation coverage by 1 million acres over the next decade. 

The National Irrigation Sector Investment Plan (NISIP), launched at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC), aims to reduce dependence on unpredictable rainfall and modernize Kenya’s agricultural sector.

Cabinet Secretary (CS) for Water, Sanitation, and Irrigation, Engineer Eric Mugaa, emphasized that irrigation is essential for Kenya’s food security and economic stability. “Agriculture is the backbone of our economy, contributing nearly 50% of Kenya’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and playing a crucial role in food security and export earnings,” he stated.

The government intends to invest Sh598 billion in this project, with 61% of the funding expected to come from private investors and the remaining 39% from public funds. The initiative will be implemented through five key strategies: Farmer-Led Irrigation Development (FLID), Public Scheme Improvement, Commercially Oriented Irrigation, Revitalisation of Irrigation Assets, and Maximising Community Scheme Benefits.

Beyond increasing food production, the plan is projected to generate Sh240 billion in annual revenue, create over 5 million jobs, and support 700,000 heads of livestock. “This is a transformative investment that will not only ensure food security but also position Kenya as a leader in sustainable agriculture,” Mugaa said.

Principal Secretary (PS) for Irrigation, Ephantus Kimotho, reassured stakeholders that Kenya has sufficient water resources to achieve the plan’s goals. He cited the National Water Master Plan 2030, which estimates that 3.4 million acres could be irrigated using available surface water, groundwater, and water harvesting techniques.

However, Kimotho noted that the challenge is not a physical water shortage but an economic one, requiring strategic investments to enhance water accessibility. “The plan aims to increase irrigation coverage from 22% to 50%, with a phased approach focusing on existing infrastructure in the first two years.

“Currently, 747,000 acres are under irrigation, with 83,000 acres developed in the last two years alone. To meet the new target, annual irrigation expansion must accelerate from 40,000 to 100,000 acres,” he explained.

The NISIP aligns with Kenya Vision 2030, the National Irrigation Policy (2017), and the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda. The government is now calling on county governments, private sector players, and development partners to collaborate in ensuring the plan’s success.

“The future of agriculture in Kenya depends on our ability to harness water resources efficiently. This plan is our blueprint for an irrigated, food-secure, and prosperous nation,” Mugaa concluded.