WATER CS ENG. ERIC MUGAA INSPECTS THE GALANA KULALU FOOD SECURITY PROJECT

The Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of Water, Sanitation and Irrigation, Eng. Eric Mugaa, today inspected the Galana Kulalu Food Security Project in Kilifi and Tana River counties.

He was accompanied by Principal Secretary CPA Ephantus Kimotho, National Irrigation Authority (NIA) Board Chairman Eng. Gilbert Maluki, NIA CEO Eng. Charles Muasya, MBS, and other senior officials.

The CS inspected the proposed site for the Athi (Galana) Dam, visited the Galana Bridge (90% complete) and reviewed the ongoing intake protection works.

In his address, Eng. Eric Mugaa praised the project’s progress and highlighted the recently signed National Irrigation Authority (NIA) contract for construction of Athi (Galana) Dam, which will enable irrigation of up to 300,000 acres.

He noted that soil assessments have been completed on key areas and the soils are suitable for food production with minimal improvements.

He emphasized that Galana Kulalu project demonstrates the success of effective public-private partnerships in transforming Kenya’s irrigated agriculture.

The Cabinet Secretary reaffirmed the government’s strong commitment to combating drought through major investments in irrigation, moving away from rain-fed agriculture to build climate-resilient food security.

He added that the project will generate job opportunities in the various enterprises and value chains.

Principal Secretary CPA Ephantus Kimotho commended the National Irrigation Authority (NIA) for its foresight in commencing implementation of the dam contract describing it as a key milestone for Kenya’s irrigation development.