CS Kagwe Urges Expansion of Irrigation to Enhance Food Security

Agriculture and Livestock Development Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe has emphasized the need for Kenya to rapidly expand irrigation infrastructure to meet the food demands of its increasing population amid unreliable rainfall patterns.

Speaking in Kilifi during the launch of the Sh79 million rehabilitation of the Ndigiria Water Pan in Bamba, Kagwe highlighted that the country must maximize food production on existing land by ensuring adequate water availability throughout the year.

Reducing Reliance on Rain-fed Farming

Kagwe noted that Kenya’s growing population requires a shift from traditional rain-dependent agriculture to more reliable irrigation systems. The government aims to capture and store water from seasonal rivers to prevent wastage during rainy seasons and ensure availability during dry periods.

• Harvesting runoff from seasonal rivers
• Constructing and rehabilitating dams and water pans
• Tapping groundwater through deep boreholes

He stressed that irrigation projects like the Galana-Kulalu scheme and other nationwide initiatives are vital to this strategy.

Ndigiria Water Pan Rehabilitation

The Ndigiria Water Pan, established in 1963, is being restored to support a 50-acre smallholder irrigation scheme. The project is expected to benefit over 100 farmers directly and provide water for approximately 15,398 livestock.

Works include desilting, fencing, intake structure construction, installation of pumping and irrigation systems powered by solar energy, and pipeline distribution. The project is implemented under the National Agricultural Value Chain Development Project (NAVCDP).

Kagwe urged farmers to diversify crops, combining food staples with commercial varieties to enhance food security and income generation. The government will also provide seeds, extension services, and technical support to participating farmers.

Community and Economic Empowerment

Alongside infrastructure, the government handed over KSh30.5 million to eight local SACCOs to improve farmers’ access to financing. Principal Secretary for Cooperatives Development Patrick Kilemi highlighted the role of strong cooperatives in market access and better returns.

County Deputy Governor Flora Mbetsa Chibule called on residents to safeguard the project to ensure long-term community benefits.

Supporting Infrastructure and Employment

Kagwe directed phased rehabilitation works to maintain water access during construction and urged accelerated completion before the next rainy season. He emphasized separating livestock watering points from irrigation areas and prioritizing local employment in the project.

Additionally, the CS committed to advocating for road improvements around the water pan to facilitate farmers’ access to markets.

The government’s broader irrigation strategy aims to secure water availability year-round, supporting sustainable food production for Kenya’s growing population.