Success Stories
Galana Kulalu Food Security Project
Galana Kulalu Food Security Project stands as a flagship example of a successful PPP in irrigation development. Through collaboration with private sector partners, the project has demonstrated the potential of large-scale irrigation to boost food security, create employment opportunities, and promote modern farming practices. The partnership model has enabled improved infrastructure development, efficient water use and increased agricultural productivity.
Current PPP in Galana Food Security Project is SELU Limited; leasing 20,000 acres of which have developed and put 10,000 acres under production.
Bura Irrigation Scheme
Bura Irrigation Scheme displays how PPPs can revitalize existing irrigation Schemes and unlock their full economic potential. Private sector participation has supported infrastructure rehabilitation, enhanced farm management, and improved market linkages. This partnership has contributed to increased farmer incomes and strengthened the scheme’s long-term sustainability.
Bura Irrigation Development Project (implemented in two lots: completed Lot 1(Gravity intake and associated works at Korakora) and 98% completed Lot 2 (construction of a new 26KM main canal and associated civil works from Korakora to Nanighi)) has magically boosted and enabled these Partnerships as the Schemes works towards attaining its full potential.
Current PPP’s in Bura Irrigation Scheme include:
- Tana River sugar Company: 25,000 acres for sugar cane production,
- Tana Bliss Limited: 35,000 acres for rice production and,
- Sukari Industries Ltd:50,000 acres for sugar production and necessary support infrastructure development
Briefs
| ITEM | BURA IRRIGATION SCHEME | GALANA KULALU FOOD SECURITY PROJECT |
|---|---|---|
| Scheme/Project Name | Bura Irrigation and Settlement Scheme | Galana Kulalu Food Security Project. |
| Location (Constituency and County) | Bura Constituency, Tana River County | Tana River and Kilifi Counties. |
| Year of establishment | 1978 | 2014 |
| Planned area | 271,194 acres | 300,000 Acres |
| Area developed with irrigation infrastructure | 12,000 Acres | 10,000 Acres |
| Farming households | 2,245 | Large-scale commercial model |
| Source of Water | Tana River | Galana River |
| Method of abstraction | Gravity | Pumping |
| Type of irrigation method | Surface irrigation (furrow and basin) | Centre Pivot Irrigation |
| Main crops grown | Maize and Rice | Maize |
| Other crops grown | Sugarcane, watermelons, onions, green grams, cotton | Soya beans, Cassava and Onions |
| Farmer institutions | Irrigation Water Users Association, Farmers cooperative society, scheme management committee | The project is currently under operation by SELU Limited |
Future Prospects
PPPs present significant opportunities for the future of irrigation and water resource management. The Authority aims to expand PPPs to:
- Scale up irrigation coverage across arid and semi-arid regions
- Promote climate-smart and water-efficient technologies
- Attract private investment to reduce reliance on public funding
- Enhance food security and rural livelihoods
- Strengthen innovation, efficiency, and service delivery.
Through well-structured PPPs, the Authority seeks to position itself as a leader in sustainable irrigation development and private sector engagement.
Legal and Policy Framework
To support transparency and compliance, the Authority operates within the framework of the Public Private Partnerships Act, No. 14 of 2021 (Attached Document).This document provides the legal foundation guiding the development, approval, and implementation of PPP projects in Kenya.
Economic and social benefits
| i. | Enhances household food security through year-round crop production, | |
| ii. | Increases farmer incomes via higher yields and crop diversification, | |
| iii. | Creates employment opportunities on-farm and along agricultural value chains, | |
| iv. | Stimulates regional economic growth by boosting local trade and services, | |
| v. | Supports organized settlement and rural development with improved social infrastructure, | |
| vi. | Promotes agricultural commercialization through access to structured and bulk markets, | |
| vii. | Improves livelihood resilience in the ASAL region by reducing rainfall dependence, | |
| viii. | Facilitates technology transfer and builds farmer capacity in modern irrigation practices, | |
| ix. | Strengthens agro-industrial linkages by generating demand for inputs and processing services, | |
| x. | Contributes to Kenya’s national food security and agricultural transformation goals. |
3. Public Private Partnership (PPP) Process
