The Galana Kulalu Food Security Project is nearing a major milestone with its first maize harvest expected in early October, signaling a breakthrough in the government’s efforts to boost national food security through large-scale irrigation farming.
Speaking during a high-profile visit, Water, Sanitation, and Irrigation Cabinet Secretary Eng. Eric Mugaa confirmed significant progress on infrastructure and crop development on the farm.
CS Mugaa was joined by the Principal Secretary for Irrigation, CPA Ephantus Kimotho, Irrigation Secretary Joel Tanui, and the National Irrigation Authority (NIA) CEO, Eng. Charles Muasya and officials from Selu Limited, the project’s private investor, were also present.
“This is a promise that Dr. Samoei William Ruto made during his campaign to unlock agriculture. The Galana Kulalu Food Security Program is a major step in realizing that vision,” said Mugaa.
Among the major developments is the Galana Bridge, now 50 percent complete. According to the CS, the bridge is expected to unlock access to more than 200,000 acres of agricultural land.
“We have inspected the progress of the bridge. The contractor is already precasting the beams to support the deck, and we are pushing to have the bridge completed as fast as possible to facilitate movement of farm inputs and produce,” he said.
Irrigation infrastructure has also progressed with a 20,000-cubic-meter intake well, a 2-kilometer lined canal, a 550,000-cubic-meter reservoir, and a 20,000-cubic-meter offtake sump already in place and being used to irrigate maize crops on site.
The CS confirmed the maize crop is at varying stages of growth, with the first farm, planted in May, now showing signs of silking, a key stage before harvest. The first harvest is expected in early October.
“As of today, planting has covered 1,060 acres, and we’re preparing land for two more pivots to bring the total to 1,500 acres within three weeks. Our target is to crop 3,200 acres by the end of the year,” he said.
Beyond food security, the project is also generating employment and stimulating the regional economy.
“The proponent tells me that over 400 local residents are employed in irrigation activities. This program is not just about food, it’s about jobs, skills, and creating opportunities along the entire agricultural value chain,” said Mugaa.
He highlighted the broader economic impact, from fertilizer suppliers and pivot engineers to seed companies and aggregators who will be involved once the harvest begins.
Looking ahead, the CS reiterated that the government remains committed to expanding the project’s scope.
“This is just the beginning. With the development of the Galana Dam in the long run, this area has the potential to support 200,000 acres of agricultural production,” he stated.
The National Irrigation Authority affirmed its full support for the project and its role in ensuring Kenya’s long-term food resilience.
