Kenya’s quest for food self-sufficiency has received a significant boost following a Sh12.5 billion private sector investment in the Galana-Kulalu Food Security Project, executed under a Public-Private Partnership model.
The National Irrigation Authority, backed by Sh519 million from the National Treasury, has already delivered a 600,000m³ water reservoir capable of irrigating 10,000 acres.
The water reservoir has attracted a major investment from Selu Limited, which will, in the initial phase, develop 20,000 acres under the Sh12.5 billion funding package.
Covering a vast 1.5 million acres across Kilifi and Tana River counties, the Galana Kulalu project is poised to reshape the country’s agricultural landscape by increasing food production, creating thousands of jobs, improving rural livelihoods, and providing agro-industries with a steady supply of raw materials.
National Treasury Principal Secretary Chris Kiptoo and Irrigation PS Ephantus Kimotho recently toured the site to assess ongoing work and meet stakeholders.
“If the entire 20,000 acres are put under maize, we expect an annual yield of 70 bags per acre — about 1.4 million bags in total. At the current market price of Sh4,000 per bag, that translates to Sh5.6 billion in yearly income,” Kiptoo said.
He emphasised that the project stands as a model of delivering major development under constrained fiscal conditions.
“With the national budget stretched to finance education, healthcare, and debt repayments, we cannot fund every strategic project through public coffers. This is why PPPs are essential, especially for commercially viable ventures like Galana Kulalu,” he added.
Kiptoo said tapping into the full potential of the 1.5 million acres will not only strengthen food security but also reduce imports, save on foreign exchange, and boost incomes for farmers in the region.
He also disclosed that further investments are on the horizon, including the Sh35 billion Galana dam, whose contractor has already been identified.
“We are working closely with the Ministry of Water to fast-track the project. Once completed, the dam will supply sufficient water to lure more investors and encourage other government agencies to bring projects here. This is the way forward,” Kiptoo said.
He commended the State Department for Irrigation for its prudent use of Sh519 million to develop critical water infrastructure.
PS Kimotho reported that a new intake has been completed, enabling the National Irrigation Authority to take command of 10,000 acres in the initial stage.
Part of Selu’s investment will go into water storage, irrigation systems, and on-farm roads to improve movement of produce within the expansive project area.
“This is a multi-agency initiative. The Kenya Rural Roads Authority is constructing a bridge that will greatly ease the transport of goods. Right now, we have to use Baricho bridge, which is seven kilometres away, a challenge that slows operations,” Kimotho said.
He further revealed that Selu has engaged a Korean company to install a 2.5-megawatt solar water pumping system, replacing the current diesel-powered setup.
Meanwhile, the Rural Electrification and Renewable Energy Corporation is developing a power plant expected to go live in June 2026, lowering production costs and encouraging higher output.
Kimotho outlined the project’s phased expansion plan. “In Phase One, we are utilising the normal water flow to irrigate 10,000 acres. Phase Two, after the dam’s completion, will see expansion to 32,000 acres. Phase Three, once the high grand fall is in place, likely within five years, will open up an additional 500,000 acres for irrigation,” he said.
INSTANT ANALYSIS
The Sh12.5 billion investment in the Galana Kulalu Food Security Project signals a bold step in Kenya’s shift towards large-scale, privately-backed agriculture. The PPP approach offers a viable solution to budget constraints while tapping private capital for strategic food production.
by CHARLES MGHENYI
