Kenya Targets on Transformative Irrigation for Future Food Supply
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By Fred Maingi
In a bid to reshape Kenya’s agricultural sector, the Ministry of Water, Sanitation, and Irrigation, led by Principal Secretary Ephantus Kimotho, has unveiled the National Irrigation Sector Investment Plan (NISIP), a 10-year roadmap aimed at expanding irrigation, enhancing food security, and strengthening climate resilience. The initiative, developed by the Kenya Irrigation Board under the leadership of CEO Engineer Muasya, seeks to mobilize investments from the government, development partners, and the private sector to drive large-scale irrigation development.
NISIP’s core objective is to expand Kenya’s irrigation coverage from 712,000 acres to 1.7 million acres by 2033, enabling farmers to increase productivity and profitability. This growth will be driven by private micro-irrigation initiatives, corporate agribusiness partnerships, and community-led irrigation schemes. Additionally, the plan aims to revitalize 300,000 acres of existing public and community irrigation schemes while unlocking 140,000 acres of rangeland in Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASALs) for food and fodder production.
To achieve these ambitious goals, NISIP outlines five strategic investment pathways. Farmer-Led Irrigation Development (FLID) will empower smallholder farmers to manage micro-irrigation projects, with government backing for awareness and technology adoption. High-Performing Public Irrigation Schemes will focus on improving governance, infrastructure, and early warning systems to ensure efficient water use. Meanwhile, Enabled Corporate Agribusiness will encourage private-sector-led irrigation investments through mechanization, land access, and co-funding arrangements. In ASAL regions, Revitalized Irrigation Systems will introduce water storage, flood-spate irrigation, and underground water solutions to support resilient agriculture. Lastly, Maximized Community Irrigation Benefits will strengthen community irrigation management, financial models, and disaster preparedness to ensure long-term sustainability.
The economic impact of NISIP is expected to be substantial. Crop yields could increase by 200-300%, farming profits are projected to double, and the initiative is anticipated to generate economic multipliers of 2.5 to 4. These improvements will not only boost household incomes but also enhance national food security and resilience to climate change.
To implement NISIP, KSh 598 billion (USD 4.6 billion) in funding is required, with 39% expected from government and international donors, while 61% will come from private sector investments. The plan involves government agencies, county governments, agribusiness players, financing institutions, civil society organizations, irrigation service providers, and farmers, working collaboratively to realize its objectives.
The next steps include securing budgetary approvals, enhancing institutional coordination, and rolling out capacity-building programs for irrigation service providers. Additionally, new co-financing agreements will be established to fund critical infrastructure projects.
Speaking at the launch, PS Ephantus Kimotho emphasized the transformative potential of NISIP, stating, “This plan is more than just an irrigation strategy—it is a foundation for food security, economic growth, and climate resilience. By investing in sustainable water management, we are securing Kenya’s agricultural future.” Engineer Muasya, CEO of the Kenya Irrigation Board, echoed this sentiment, calling on stakeholders to take action: “Kenya’s agricultural sector holds immense potential. With the right investments, partnerships, and policies, we can turn this vision into reality.”
As Kenya embarks on this ambitious journey, NISIP represents a bold commitment to innovation and sustainable development. If successfully implemented, it could position Kenya as a regional leader in agricultural productivity and climate-smart irrigation, ensuring a food-secure and prosperous future.
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