The Lower Eastern Times Opening The Third Eye
Related Articles
The government is set to commence the construction of a Sh35 billion dam at the Galana Kulalu Irrigation Project, a move expected to significantly boost Kenya’s food security.
Click here to join our WhatsApp Channel
Treasury Principal Secretary Chris Kiptoo announced on Friday that a contractor has already been identified and will soon begin work on the ground. He said the Treasury is working closely with the Water, Sanitation, and Irrigation ministries to fast-track the project’s launch.
The dam will complement commercial farming activities on the 1.5 million acres available at Galana Kulalu, supplying adequate water to attract more investors and promote additional government and private sector investment through the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model.
The project, developed by Selu Limited in partnership with the National Irrigation Authority, has entered the Condition Precedent phase after achieving financial closure. Selu is investing Sh12.5 billion to develop 20,000 acres over 30 years, with expected annual maize yields of 1.4 million bags worth about Sh5.6 billion at current market prices.
Kiptoo said the project showcases how Kenya can use PPPs to fund commercially viable initiatives without straining the national budget. Already, maize planted in May on 1,060 acres under Phase One is expected to be harvested in October, with contracts in place for its sale.
In addition to improving food security, the project aims to reduce cereal imports, save foreign exchange, increase local incomes, and create jobs.
Irrigation PS Ephantus Kimotho noted that the second phase of the project began a year ago with the construction of a new intake, enabling irrigation of the first 10,000 acres. Other completed works include a 600,000 cubic metre water reservoir, canals, and on-farm roads.
Infrastructure upgrades are also underway, including the Galana Bridge, being built by the Kenya Rural Roads Authority to improve access for farm inputs and produce. As of July 31, the bridge was 50% complete, with full completion expected by June next year.
Currently, irrigation is powered by diesel pumps, but in two months, Korean Solar will install solar panels generating 2.5MW to cut production costs. The Rural Electrification and Renewable Energy Corporation is also constructing a power plant expected to be operational by June.
Upon completion of Phase Two, 200,000 acres will be under irrigation, with Phase Three adding another 500,000 acres within the next five years.
Kiptoo said the government has so far invested Sh519 million in water infrastructure at Galana Kulalu, noting that the work completed reflects value for money.
