Harvesting of the first maize crop at the Galana Kulalu Irrigation Scheme began on Saturday, marking a major milestone for a project once dismissed as a failure just two years ago.
The Galana Kulalu Food Security Project, located on vast government land in Kilifi and Tana River counties, is being implemented through a public-private partnership between the government and Selu Limited.
From the initial 1,500 acres planted, the project has yielded between 28 and 30 bags of seed maize per acre, underscoring the success of the PPP model.
Water and Irrigation Cabinet Secretary Eric Mugaa, who attended the launch of the harvest, lauded the progress, saying the project aligns with the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda aimed at reducing Kenya’s KSh500 billion annual food import bill.
“The Galana Kulalu project is on track to become a food hub for Kenya, supporting the government’s efforts to make the country food secure. The first crop we are harvesting today is proof of that,” said Mr. Mugaa.
The CS noted that 330 acres will be harvested within five days and that Selu Limited can now cultivate 6,300 acres using water supplied by two newly constructed small dams. He added that the long-term plan is to build a large dam capable of irrigating 200,000 acres.
The government has invested heavily in irrigation infrastructure, including a 20,000-cubic-metre intake well, a 2-kilometre canal, a 550,000-cubic-metre reservoir, and a 20,000-cubic-metre offtake pump.
Selu Limited CEO Nicholas Ambanya said the project has already created 200 jobs, with more employment opportunities expected as the area under cultivation expands to 3,200 acres by the end of 2025, 5,400 acres by mid-2026, and eventually 20,000 acres as more water becomes available.
Irrigation Principal Secretary Ephantus Kimotho praised the project, noting it demonstrates how irrigation can unlock agricultural potential in arid and semi-arid regions. He also revealed that the government is in talks with additional partners interested in putting 180,000 acres under cultivation.
National Assembly Water, Irrigation, and Blue Economy Committee Chair Kangogo Bowen expressed satisfaction with the use of parliamentary funds for the project’s infrastructure, pledging continued support from Parliament.
Also present were National Irrigation Authority Chairman Gilbert Maluki and CEO Charles Muasya.
The first harvest at Galana Kulalu marks the beginning of a new chapter in Kenya’s pursuit of sustainable, irrigation-driven food production, reaffirming the government’s commitment to building a robust and resilient agricultural sector.
