President William Ruto has outlined an ambitious plan to end Kenya’s food import burden, pledging 50 mega dams, expanded irrigation, and a tenfold rise in energy production to drive food security, industrialisation and infrastructure growth.
Kitui, Kenya, Oct’ 20, 2025 — President William Ruto has announced an ambitious plan to strengthen Kenya’s food security, energy generation and infrastructure development, describing them as key pillars for sustainable growth and industrialisation.
Speaking during Mashujaa Day celebrations at Ithookwe Stadium in Kitui County, President Ruto said Kenya spends over KSh 500 billion annually importing food such as maize, sugar and rice — a situation he termed “an economic burden that must end.”
“The government has invested heavily in irrigation schemes across the country, with plans to construct up to 50 mega dams to support food production and bring at least two million acres of land under irrigation,” Ruto said.
He added that the first harvest from national irrigation projects, including those in Tana River County, demonstrates Kenya’s potential to achieve self-sufficiency in food production.
President Ruto noted that the government is targeting export markets in the United States, China, Europe and across Africa for surplus produce once local food sufficiency is attained. He also emphasised investment in value addition and agro-processing to increase agricultural earnings, citing ongoing developments in Special Economic Zones such as Dongo Kundu and industrial parks aimed at promoting innovation, small enterprises and job creation.
On energy, Ruto acknowledged that the current national output of 2,300 megawatts is insufficient to sustain rapid industrialisation. He revealed plans to scale capacity to 10,000 megawatts through investments in geothermal, solar, wind and nuclear energy.
The President further highlighted the government’s focus on upgrading national infrastructure, naming the Mombasa–Nairobi Superhighway, Naivasha–Kisumu–Malaba corridor and other regional linkages as critical projects designed to boost trade and regional integration.
Ruto said these initiatives form part of his administration’s broader strategy to promote food security, expand manufacturing, and ensure that Kenya achieves inclusive, sustainable economic transformation.
