Kenya accelerates Galana-Kulalu irrigation scheme to boost food security

Efforts to revitalise the Galana-Kulalu irrigation scheme are intensifying as government agencies and private investors accelerate plans to turn thousands of acres into productive farmland. The initiative aims to reduce Kenya’s heavy reliance on food imports and tackle chronic hunger.

Located on the border of Kilifi and Tana River counties, the project is one of Kenya’s largest attempts to boost local food production through irrigation. Officials say that, if fully implemented, it could become a cornerstone of the country’s food security strategy.

Nyumba Group, one of the private firms involved, is already cultivating maize, onions, and cassava using pivot irrigation technology. According to company manager Kishor Patel, nine irrigation pivots are currently operational, each covering about 120 acres, out of a total of 23 installed.

“We have planted onions on roughly 200 acres, maize on about 500 to 600 acres, and a comparable portion with cassava. By early next year, when all irrigation pivots are fully operational, nearly 3,000 acres will be irrigated,” Patel said.

Expansion plans

The company plans to expand significantly, targeting up to 15,000 acres for onions, 10,000 acres for maize, and 5,000 acres for cassava.

Patel noted ongoing challenges, including wildlife damage, high fuel costs due to reliance on generators, upstream water contamination, and poor road access.

“Kenya’s climate and land resources make it ideal for agribusiness. More investment in agriculture will boost job creation and economic growth,” he added.

Selu Africa Limited, leading the project’s commercial rollout under a public-private partnership, is expanding operations across 20,000 acres. CEO Nicholas Ambanya said 1,500 acres of maize have already been planted, with harvesting expected to begin next week.

The cultivated area is projected to rise to 3,200 acres by the end of the year and 5,400 acres by mid-2026, before reaching the full 20,000-acre target.

“To date, the project has created 500 employment opportunities, and we project that number will rise to at least 2,000 direct jobs once it is fully operational,” Ambanya remarked.

Diversify farming

While maize remains the primary crop, Selu Africa plans to diversify into sunflower, chia seeds, groundnuts, mangoes, and green peas.

Ambanya credited government support for key infrastructure, including irrigation water, a bridge over the River Galana, and planned electricity connections. He also revealed that discussions are underway to designate the site as a Special Economic Zone.

Concerns over wildlife intrusion from nearby Tsavo National Park are being addressed through a 33-kilometre electric fence, buffer zones, and staff training on coexistence.

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Food security pillar

The government has identified Galana-Kulalu as a critical pillar of its food security agenda. Joel Tanui, Irrigation Secretary at the State Department for Irrigation, said the National Irrigation Sector Investment Plan aims to eliminate food imports within the next decade.

“Our strategy includes opening up arid and semi-arid regions, which hold up to 90 per cent of Kenya’s potential arable land to irrigation farming, and promoting large-scale commercial agriculture through public-private partnerships,” Tanui explained.

He added that unused community and institutional land is being mapped and converted for agricultural use, while multiple state agencies collaborate to provide infrastructure, electricity, roads, and wildlife management support.

Making a difference

Residents say the project is already making a difference.

For pastoralists like Kassim Mohammed from the Orma community, maize farming has become an essential safety net during dry seasons.

“We now have an alternative source of food and income. I urge young people to embrace the opportunities created here and learn modern farming practices,” Kassim said.

Zawadi Wario, who joined the workforce four months ago, praised the initiative for creating employment.

“This project has given many people steady jobs. If it is fully implemented, the community will benefit greatly,” she said.