State Department unveils 10-dam plan in major irrigation expansion

PENINAH KIHIKA-PCO

The State Department for Irrigation has unveiled plans to place an additional 1.2 million acres under irrigation within the next year through the construction of 10 mega dams across the country.

Principal Secretary CPA Ephantus Kimotho announced that initial funding for eight of the dams has already been approved by the National Treasury, marking a major step in the government’s push to boost food security and reduce reliance on rain-fed agriculture.

Among the flagship projects are the High Grand Falls Dam in Kitui, Embu, and Tharaka Nithi counties, which is expected to bring 500,000 acres under irrigation, and the Galana Dam in Tana River County, projected to add 200,000 acres.

Other dams earmarked for construction include Barsalinga in Isiolo, Daua in Mandera, Lowaat in Turkana, Yatta in Machakos, SoinKoru in Kisumu, Radat in Baringo, Rumuruti in Laikipia, Muhoya in Nyeri/Kirinyaga, and Thuci in Tharaka Nithi/Embu.

Kimotho, who spoke during the Heads of Departments meeting in Nairobi, emphasized that these projects must deliver tangible benefits to ordinary citizens.

“Our ultimate focus is the mwananchi and the impact we are making in the lives of the citizens. The mwananchi should feel the impact of the work we are doing on the ground,” he said. 

He noted that irrigation is central to reducing food imports, increasing farmers’ incomes, and building resilience against climate shocks.

“We are not just building dams; we are building livelihoods.

Every project must demonstrate how it improves the life of the farmer and strengthens food security for the nation,” he added.

To achieve these ambitious targets, Kimotho called for greater dedication and hands-on leadership from his officers.

He directed Heads of Departments to conduct regular field visits to monitor progress and interact directly with beneficiaries.

“This will help address the concerns of the mwananchi and take corrective action on time,” he said.

The PS also underscored accountability, pointing to performance contracts as a key tool for measuring delivery.

He revealed that he has signed contracts with every Head of Department and will personally follow up to ensure targets are met.

“What gets measured, gets done. Each one of you is obligated to ensure that the targets we have agreed on are met. I will personally hold each one of you to account,” he warned.

The mega dams’ initiative is part of the government’s broader strategy to transform agriculture into a sustainable, climate-resilient sector.