Kenya signs new deal to speed up irrigation growth
The government moves to cut reliance on rain by working with a global water research body as it pushes large scale irrigation plans.
KENYA – Kenya has taken a fresh step to grow irrigation as part of efforts to protect food supply from weak and uneven rainfall.
The Ministry of Water, Sanitation and Irrigation signed a memorandum of understanding on Thursday, December 11, with the International Water Management Institute. The agreement sets up a new working relationship with the research group to support irrigation growth across the country.
In a statement on its website, the ministry said the partnership will cover basic studies, mapping of current irrigation systems, and checks on land for new projects or repair of old ones. The two sides will also work on a fair water tariff system that supports long term use.
The plans include support for climate smart tools, solar and nature based irrigation, rainwater use, wastewater reuse, and stronger water data systems.
“ Both parties have committed to immediately mobilizing joint resources to implement research, innovation and field intervention projects, marking the beginning of a long-term collaboration for sustainable irrigation development in Kenya ,” the statement said.
Officials said the partnership will draw on IWMI’s global experience to help scale up irrigation across Kenya. It will also support changes under the National Irrigation Investment Plan, which the government launched in March 2025.
The ten year plan aims to raise 598 billion Kenyan shillings (about US$4.6 billion) from public and private sources. The funding will help expand land under irrigation by close to 400,000 hectares during the period.
Current gaps and targets
Data from the ministry shows that Kenya had 284,773 hectares fitted for irrigation in 2023. This figure accounts for less than five percent of arable land and about 21 percent of the country’s irrigation potential, which stands at more than 1.3 million hectares.
The government wants to close this gap fast. Kenya plans to raise irrigated farmland to nearly one million hectares between 2020 and 2032.
President William Ruto shared this goal during the State of the Nation address on November 20. He said farming still depends too much on rain, a risk that grows as dry spells last longer.
FAO data shows Kenya had about 288,000 hectares under irrigation in 2023. To change this, the state plans to build 50 large dams, 200 medium dams, and many small dams to store water in dry regions. Officials have already picked key sites in Mandera, Machakos, Kisumu, Laikipia, and Turkana.
“To produce enough for domestic consumption and exports, modern and extensive irrigation is now necessary and is the only way forward. With dams, we can transform arid and semi arid areas into agricultural production hubs, even in the absence of rain,” President Ruto said.
The new partnership adds weight to these plans as Kenya pushes for steady food output and wider farm growth.
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