Kenya’s push to expand irrigation has received renewed support from key development partners, following separate high-level meetings between the State Department for Irrigation and officials from the World Bank and the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS).
On Tuesday, Principal Secretary for Irrigation Ephantus Kimotho hosted the World Bank’s new Water Practice Manager, Soma Moulik, at Maji House. The meeting reaffirmed the lender’s commitment to Kenya’s irrigation transformation agenda, with discussions centering on the National Irrigation Sector Investment Plan (NISIP) and its alignment with the country’s broader agricultural growth strategy.
Irrigation as a Strategic Pillar
PS Kimotho emphasized that irrigation remains a cornerstone in enhancing food security, creating rural employment, strengthening climate resilience, and driving inclusive economic development. He called for investments across the irrigation value chain to empower both smallholder and commercial farmers under the NISIP framework.
The talks also reviewed the proposed Kenya Resilient Irrigation for Sustainable Economy (KRISE) programme, which aims to accelerate farmer-led irrigation development, introduce results-based financing, enhance scheme efficiency, and improve water security in Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASALs).
Both sides deliberated on technical support for structuring priority irrigation dam projects to make them bankable and attractive to private investors. Blended financing and co-financing models were highlighted as viable mechanisms for mobilising resources and de-risking large-scale irrigation investments.
UNOPS Engagement on Mega Dams
In a separate meeting, UNOPS Director for East and Southern Africa Rainer Frauenfeld led a delegation to explore collaboration under the President’s 50 Mega Dams agenda. Discussions focused on strengthening technical support for priority dam projects slated for 2026 and expanding national irrigation capacity.
The meeting underscored the importance of structured planning, sound procurement systems, and efficient project management in delivering large-scale water and irrigation infrastructure. UNOPS reaffirmed its role in supporting governments and partners in infrastructure implementation, procurement oversight, and project management.
“The agency’s expertise enhances institutional capacity and supports the realisation of the Sustainable Development Goals in alignment with national development priorities,” UNOPS officials stated.
Government Commitment
PS Kimotho reiterated the Ministry’s commitment to deepening partnerships with development agencies to actualise the ambitious target of placing 1.5 million acres under irrigation.
“Through strengthened collaboration and the implementation of the Mega Dams initiative, the government aims to boost food production, build climate resilience, and spur sustainable economic growth,” he said.
