The CS Ministry of Water, Sanitation and Irrigation Mr. Zacharia M. Njeru, EGH accompanied by PS State Department for Irrigation CPA Mr. Ephantus Kimotho, CBS, Ag. Irrigation Secretary Eng. Vincent Kabuti, OGW and Secretary Administration Mr. David Yatich visited the Galana Kulalu Food Security Project (GKFSP) on March 20, 2024 to inspect the progress of ongoing works.
They were received by NIA CEO Eng. Charles Muasya, MBS, ADC CEO Wilson Tunoi and other senior government officials and the private investors undertaking works under the PPP framework. The private investor undertaking production under the PPP Program Selu Limited have successfully completed studies on the soil, irrigation systems and crop water requirements in addition to a 495-acre maize crop trial. To enable them to progress and attain the required 10,000 acres, a reservoir is being constructed. The reservoir targets a volume of 450,000m3 and is at 40% completion. Additionally the privately initiated proposal for Galana Kulalu Food Security Project Dam is in a project development phase.
The project seeks to enhance food security through bringing 200,000 acres under production to make available the estimated water storage of 306 Million cubic meters per annum over a term of 30 years. The project feasibility studies are ongoing and a private party has managed to develop a technical scheme, currently finalizing on bill of quantities, unit rates and selection of the PPP model to be adopted. The implementation of GKFSP will not only improve food security in the country but also create employment opportunities, improve the income levels of the local communities thereby improving their socio-economic well-being. It will also promote the growth of agro-based industries by providing a reliable source of raw materials.
The CS was pleased with the progress of works in compliance with the Presidential directives. He emphasized on having a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) to ensure the government agencies and the private investors work together to not only make a huge stride towards food security but also create the much needed employment opportunities, increase employment, improve livelihoods and consequently improved GDP in the country.
NIA continues to work towards providing and coordinating sustainable development and management of irrigation services in Kenya with the aim of drawing farmers towards irrigated agriculture which is more reliable and contributing towards food security in line with the Bottom-up Economic Transformation Agenda.