Selu Africa Limited, a prominent player in the agricultural investment sector, is set to make a monumental commitment to Kenya’s food security through its investment in the Galana-Kulalu Food Security Project. The company plans to inject over $880 million (approximately Sh117 billion) into the project over a decade, marking one of the most significant agricultural investments in the region.
According to Nicholas Ambanya, the Chief Executive Officer of Selu Africa Limited, the initial phase of the investment will involve allocating $80 million (around Sh10.6 billion) over the first three years. This phase will focus on developing 20,000 acres of land for irrigation. Following this, an additional $800 million will be invested over the next seven years, culminating in the development of a total of 200,000 acres. This extensive investment is aimed at commercializing a large-scale farming operation that is expected to have a substantial impact on food production in Kenya.
Ambanya shared these details during a recent tour organized for potential partners and stakeholders. The tour showcased the infrastructure that has been put in place, including a dam and a bridge, which are crucial for the project’s success. The dam, located on part of the 1.7 million-acre Agricultural Development Corporation (ADC) farm in Tana River and Kilifi Counties, will play a vital role in irrigation. Meanwhile, the bridge across the Galana River, situated within the Tsavo East National Park, is designed to facilitate the transport of the anticipated massive harvests once production ramps up.
Selu Africa Limited’s approach differs from previous efforts by other companies, such as Green Arava, which faced challenges in the past. Ambanya explained that the government’s previous involvement was focused on developing the necessary infrastructure and testing its viability before transitioning the project to the private sector. This strategy has set the stage for Selu Africa Limited to build on these foundations and drive the project forward with a clear focus on operational success.
One of the key components of Selu Africa’s plan is the integration of solar power to complement grid electricity and diesel energy. A solar plant, constructed in collaboration with the Korean Solar Power Consortium, will serve as the primary energy source for the project. This green energy initiative aims to reduce operational costs and promote sustainability, while diesel will be used as a backup power source. This multi-source approach underscores the company’s commitment to not only enhancing productivity but also minimizing the environmental impact of the farming operations.
The project will predominantly focus on maize cultivation, a staple crop that will form the backbone of the farming initiative. However, Selu Africa Limited is also set to explore and develop additional value chains alongside maize production, which will diversify the farm’s outputs and contribute to a more robust agricultural ecosystem.
The Galana-Kulalu Food Security Project represents a significant step forward in Kenya’s agricultural development. With Selu Africa Limited’s substantial investment and strategic planning, the project is poised to address food security challenges, create job opportunities, and stimulate economic growth in the region. As the company finalizes its lease agreements and other governmental approvals, the agricultural landscape in Kenya is set to witness transformative changes, driven by one of the largest investments in its history.
