Sh2.8 billion budget slash puts 18 irrigation projects at risk
The Bura scheme has lost Sh250 million, while Mwea has been allocated Sh200 million less. Community Irrigation Projects have received a Sh436 million cut.
Eighteen major irrigation projects risk stalling due to a Sh2.8 billion cut in the State Department for Irrigation’s budget for the 2025/26 financial year, top ministry officials have told Parliament.
The funding shortfall could deny the economy over 19,530 direct jobs and reduce irrigated land by more than 9,000 acres, raising concerns over food security and economic growth.
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Cabinet Secretary for Water, Sanitation and Irrigation, Eric Mugaa, and Principal Secretary Ephantus Kimotho said the cut will disrupt project implementation, including flagship initiatives such as the Bura and Mwea Irrigation Schemes.
They were appearing before the Blue Economy, Water and Irrigation Committee, chaired by Marakwet East MP Kangogo Bowen.
The Bura scheme has lost Sh250 million, while Mwea has been allocated Sh200 million less. Community Irrigation Projects have received a Sh436 million cut, and the National Expanded Irrigation Programme has seen a reduction of Sh850 million.
Land reclamation efforts in arid and semi-arid counties have also lost Sh250 million.
“The community irrigation projects, which had a major budget cut, are key drivers to County Aggregation and Industrial Parks,” PS Kimotho said.
He added that the Galana Kulalu Food Security Project has now secured private investment, with production set to begin on 5,400 acres starting May 19, 2025.
The ministry’s total development budget was initially set at Sh16.944 billion but has now been reduced to Sh16.107 billion, a cut of Sh837 million.
Recurrent expenditure has also been lowered by Sh91 million, from Sh1.418 billion to Sh1.327 billion, affecting travel, fuel, maintenance, and training expenses.
Despite the challenges, Kimotho said the ministry remains committed to delivering on presidential directives and the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda.
Meanwhile, Principal Secretary for Blue Economy and Fisheries, Betsy Njagi, raised concerns over a Sh1.401 billion cut to her department’s proposed allocation.
She highlighted the completion of 15 new landing sites under the current administration, calling it an unprecedented achievement under limited resources.
Committee Chair Bowen assured the officials that the committee will pursue dialogue with the National Treasury to push for the reinstatement of critical funds.
He affirmed the committee’s resolve to protect key sectors that support livelihoods and national development.
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