Harvesting of the first maize crop at the Galana Kulalu Irrigation Scheme kicked off on Saturday, bringing new life to a project that many had written off as a failure just two years ago.
The Galana Kulalu Food Security Project, located on government land in Kilifi and Tana River counties, is now being run through a partnership between the government and a private company, Selu Limited.
Water and Irrigation Cabinet Secretary Eric Mugaa who launched the harvest, said the project is proof that the government’s investment in irrigation is paying off.
“Galana Kulalu is on track to become Kenya’s main food hub. This is part of the government’s plan to make the country food secure and reduce our Sh500 billion food import bill,” said Mr. Mugaa.
He noted that 330 acres out of 1,500 acres planted with maize will be harvested within the next five days. Each acre has produced between 28 and 30 bags, showing good progress for the project.
The success follows major government investment in irrigation facilities including water canals, a large reservoir, and pumping systems that ensure a steady water supply.
Selu Limited CEO Nicholas Ambanya said the company has already created about 200 jobs for locals and will hire more people as farming expands. The firm plans to increase the area under maize to 5,400 acres by 202 and eventually up to 20,000 acres as more water becomes available.
Irrigation Principal Secretary Ephantus Kimotho said the project has proved that irrigation can turn dry regions into productive farmland.
Parliament’s Water and Irrigation Committee Chair Kangogo Bowenal so praised the project, saying MPs will continue to support it with funding.
Officials from the National Irrigation Authority also attended the event.
The first harvest marks a major step toward Kenya’s goal of achieving reliable, large-scale food production through modern irrigation farming.
