Tana River, Kenya — The first maize harvest at the Galana Kulalu Irrigation Scheme began on Saturday, marking a major milestone in reviving a project once branded a failure just two years ago.
The Galana Kulalu Food Security Project, located on expansive government land spanning Kilifi and Tana River counties, is being implemented under a public-private partnership (PPP) between the Government of Kenya and Selu Limited. Of the initial 1,500 acres planted, yields have averaged 28 to 30 bags of seed maize per acre, signaling a strong turnaround for the project.
The transformation follows significant government investment in new irrigation infrastructure, including:
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A 20,000-cubic-metre intake well
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A 2-kilometre water canal
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A 550,000-cubic-metre reservoir
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A 20,000-cubic-metre offtake pump
Water and Irrigation Cabinet Secretary Eric Mugaa, who presided over the start of the harvest, said the scheme is poised to become a cornerstone of Kenya’s food security efforts.
“The Galana Kulalu project is on track to become a food hub for Kenya, supporting the government’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda to make the country food secure and cut our KSh500 billion annual food import bill,” said Mr. Mugaa. “The first crop we are harvesting today is proof of that commitment.”
Mr. Mugaa added that 330 acres would be harvested within the next five days, and the available water supply from two small dams could support cultivation of up to 6,300 acres.
Looking ahead, the government plans to construct a large dam in Galana to irrigate 200,000 acres, a move expected to guarantee consistent food production and sustainability.
Selu Limited CEO Nicholas Ambanya said the private investor has already cultivated 1,500 acres and plans to expand to 3,200 acres by the end of 2025, reaching 5,400 acres by June 2026, with a target of 20,000 acres in the long term.
“The project has already created about 200 jobs, and we expect to employ more Kenyans as we expand cultivation,” said Mr. Ambanya.
Irrigation Principal Secretary Ephantus Kimotho, who accompanied the Cabinet Secretary, said the project proves that arid and semi-arid lands (ASALs) can play a critical role in achieving national food security when supported by irrigation.
“This success shows that with water and innovation, ASAL regions can feed the nation,” he said.
Mr. Kimotho also revealed that the government is engaging other partners interested in cultivating an additional 180,000 acres under irrigation.
National Assembly Water, Irrigation and Blue Economy Committee Chairman Kangogo Bowen commended the progress, saying the committee was satisfied that funds allocated for Galana’s irrigation infrastructure were being put to good use.
“What we are witnessing here is value for money and a model that can be replicated nationwide,” said Mr. Bowen.
The revival of Galana Kulalu through a PPP model underscores Kenya’s growing emphasis on sustainable agriculture, innovation, and private-sector collaboration to reduce food imports and strengthen national resilience.
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