Kenya is seeking a strategic partnership with Portugal to support the implementation of the National Irrigation Sector Investment Plan, which targets bringing an additional one million acres under irrigation across the country.
The proposed collaboration was discussed during a meeting between Principal Secretary for Irrigation Ephantus Kimotho Kimani and Portugal’s Ambassador to Kenya, Paulo Neves Pocinho, at the Embassy of Portugal in Nairobi on Friday.
According to the State Department for Irrigation, the discussions focused on strengthening cooperation between the two countries in irrigation development through technical support, investment partnerships, and knowledge exchange aimed at improving agricultural productivity and food security.
“Kenya is seeking to tap into Portugal’s experience in sustainable irrigation infrastructure development, particularly in the modernisation and expansion of irrigation and drainage systems,” read a statement by the State Department of Irrigation.
“The proposed areas of cooperation include investments in the construction of dams, water abstraction systems, improvement of water conveyance infrastructure, and canal lining to reduce water losses and improve irrigation efficiency.”
The talks also explored opportunities for Portuguese investors to participate in large-scale irrigation projects through Public-Private Partnerships targeting commercial irrigation and food production projects.
The State Department said the partnership would also support smallholder farmers through farmer-led irrigation initiatives. Portugal’s Small Projects Fund was identified as a possible source of financing for community-based irrigation projects aimed at improving household incomes, food security, and rural livelihoods.
The discussions further focused on strengthening water resource development to improve water availability for irrigation and enhance resilience to climate change, particularly in Arid and Semi-Arid Lands.
The State Department said expanding sustainable irrigation agriculture in these areas is expected to support year-round farming, reduce reliance on rain-fed agriculture, and improve national agricultural output.
The Principal Secretary was accompanied by the Head of Partnerships and Resource Mobilisation, Florence Ndai.
