The government has secured approximately Sh3 billion to finance irrigation projects in Western Kenya following the successful implementation of irrigation schemes in the Mt. Kenya region, which have significantly increased agricultural productivity and improved farmers’ incomes.
The funding will support the expansion of irrigation infrastructure as part of the government’s broader strategy to strengthen food security, enhance climate resilience and transform smallholder farming across the country.
Mt. Kenya projects inspire expansion
Speaking during an inspection tour of the Kandeki Irrigation Project in Kirinyaga County and the Gatene Irrigation Project in Embu County, Principal Secretary for Irrigation Ephantus Kimotho said the impressive performance of irrigation projects in the Mt. Kenya region had strengthened confidence in Kenya’s irrigation development model.
He noted that nearly 95 per cent of farmers participating in the irrigation programme have recorded higher crop yields and increased household incomes.
According to the PS, the government has implemented 19 irrigation projects across the Mt. Kenya region through funding from the national government and development partners.
“The success of these projects demonstrates that irrigation remains one of the most effective ways of improving agricultural productivity, enhancing food security and increasing farmers’ incomes,” Kimotho said.
Government targets increased agricultural production
Kimotho reaffirmed the government’s commitment to expanding irrigation infrastructure nationwide and strengthening farmer-led irrigation management systems to maximise agricultural production.
He said irrigation projects are designed to promote efficient land use, improve labour productivity and ensure sustainable management of water resources.
The PS explained that comprehensive hydrological studies are conducted before projects begin to guarantee sufficient and sustainable water supplies for irrigation.
He added that extensive public participation involving county governments, agricultural extension officers and local communities ensures irrigation projects address farmers’ needs while remaining sustainable.
Farmers encouraged to form cooperatives
Kimotho urged farmers to organise themselves into cooperatives and Irrigation Water Users Associations to improve access to financing, technical support and markets.
He said organised farmer groups are better positioned to obtain affordable credit through partnerships involving the national government, county governments and financial institutions.
“Through partnerships involving the National Government, county governments and financial institutions, including Equity Bank, organised farmer groups can access affordable credit to invest in certified seeds, modern irrigation technologies and other quality farm inputs,” he said.
The PS also highlighted the critical role played by county governments in supporting irrigation development through extension services, strengthening farmer organisations and integrating irrigation programmes into County Integrated Development Plans (CIDPs).
He added that continuous monitoring through the National Irrigation Management Information System enhances accountability and improves project performance.
National irrigation target
Kimotho said the government remains committed to significantly increasing the country’s irrigated land as part of efforts to boost food production and strengthen national food security.
He noted that the long-term objective is to place an additional 2.5 million acres under irrigation, enabling Kenya to increase agricultural output, reduce reliance on rain-fed farming and improve the livelihoods of farming communities.
