This archive report was first published on 8 July 2020.
On July 8, 2020, Interior Ministry Principal Secretary Dr. (Eng.) Karanja Kibicho announced that the Galana-Kulalu irrigation project in Kilifi and Tana River Counties would undergo a viability test before being handed over to the private sector.
Dr. Kibicho, who is also the chairperson of the National Development Implementation Technical Committee (NDITCC), made the announcement after a site visit at the 10,000-acre model farm.
During the visit, Dr. Kibicho expressed his satisfaction with the project's progress, stating that the fact-finding mission had allowed the committee to evaluate the project's viability and determine whether it was suitable for continuation.
According to Dr. Kibicho, the project has made significant progress, with 5,200 acres already in use out of the 10,000-acre model farm. However, he noted that the water from the Tana River can sustain 20,000 acres at full utilization.
The National Irrigation Authority (NIA) has reported that the project is utilizing the installed irrigation infrastructure, comprising 20 center pivots covering 3,300 acres and 1,800 acres under drip irrigation system for the production of maize and other high-value crops.
Dr. Kibicho also praised the efforts of the NIA, stating that the body had demonstrated the viability of the project by calculating the cost of production of maize and its quality.
However, Dr. Kibicho emphasized that it was up to him and his fellow PSs to do an analysis and draw conclusions as to whether the project was now viable to be transferred to the private sector.
He noted that the private sector would improve the efficiency and bring down the cost of production, as well as provide the opportunity to expand the variety of crops that can be grown.
Dr. Kibicho also alluded to the expansive nature of the project, stating that with full and proper utilization, Kenya would soon attain self-sustenance and become food secure.
