The government is working on a five-year strategic plan aimed at improving the agricultural irrigation sector and ensuring food security in the country. The National Irrigation Sector Investment Plan (NISIP) is currently engaging in a nationwide public participation process, which will help guide the country’s efforts to harness its agricultural potential, particularly in Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASAL) areas.
During a consultative workshop in Nairobi, the Principal Secretary of the State Department for Irrigation, Ephantus Kimotho, outlined the progress of the plan and discussed its goals. He announced that the public participation, which involves various stakeholders including financial institutions, agri-tech suppliers, farmers, and scholars, is part of a larger effort leading to the official launch of the strategic master plan scheduled for March 21. The plan aligns with the government’s Bottom-up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), which seeks to transform the agricultural sector, ensuring food security and job creation.
Kimotho emphasized that NISIP aims to tackle water challenges in agriculture and provide solutions to mitigate the impacts of climate change, such as droughts and floods. Irrigation is seen as a crucial factor in ensuring continued agricultural productivity, particularly in the ASAL regions, where conditions are harsher. The plan is designed to increase land under irrigation to over 1 million acres by 2030, with investments in water harvesting, storage reservoirs, and optimized infrastructure, addressing both immediate and long-term needs.
The NISIP also aims to enhance climate resilience in the agricultural sector, preparing the country for both immediate and future challenges. Over 80% of Kenya’s land mass is categorized as ASAL, with untapped agricultural potential that could significantly reduce food insecurity and the country’s reliance on food imports. A focus on utilizing this land could lead to job creation, increased foreign investments, a lower cost of living, and a more robust economy.
Kimotho elaborated on the five key investment roadmaps in the NISIP, which include expanding irrigated land, engaging the private sector, collaborating with non-profit organizations and development partners, and fostering climate-resilient farming techniques. The plan envisions partnerships with corporate agribusinesses and large-scale farmers to lease government-owned land for farming. It also explores the possibility of subsidized farm inputs, such as solar-powered pumps, and facilitates easier access for farmers to both local and foreign markets.
A significant challenge in the ASAL regions is access to water, which is crucial not only for agriculture but also for livestock and domestic use. The plan includes investment in water harvesting initiatives, such as desilting water pans and sinking boreholes, to address water shortages and reduce conflicts that often arise due to limited resources. The initiative aims to resolve food insecurity by constructing dams, water pans, and reservoirs. In the long term, these efforts are expected to foster peace and economic stability in these regions.
Kimotho stressed that collaboration with development partners, irrigation technology manufacturers, and suppliers is essential for the success of the NISIP. By implementing half of the objectives outlined in the plan, food imports could be reduced by 50%. With full implementation, Kenya could almost eliminate food imports, creating more jobs, boosting incomes, and increasing government revenue.
The plan also envisions incorporating players in climate-smart farming solutions, agriculture aggregation, contract farming, and financial institutions, as well as integrating advanced technologies like underground water mapping and natural aquifer recharge. Additionally, the role of mechanized farming and technology transfer will be critical in advancing the goals of the plan.
The CEO of the National Irrigation Authority, Eng. Charles M. Muasya, underlined the importance of involving all agricultural sector stakeholders in the development of the NISIP. He believes that the active participation of these groups during the planning phase will ensure smooth implementation. The NISIP is seen as the first of its kind in the region, combining efforts from both local and international partners. It represents a pivotal step toward achieving sustainable food security, job opportunities, and efficient land use.
