The government has reaffirmed its commitment to enhancing irrigation infrastructure across the country, emphasizing the crucial role of irrigation in boosting agricultural productivity, tackling climate change, and promoting food security. Speaking during a high-level inspection of ongoing irrigation projects, Irrigation Principal Secretary (PS) Ephantus Kimotho highlighted that investment in irrigation remains a key strategy in the government's agenda to transform the agricultural sector.
PS Kimotho emphasized that irrigation is not only vital for sustaining agricultural output but also a critical intervention in mitigating the adverse effects of climate change. "With erratic rainfall patterns becoming increasingly common due to climate change, irrigation offers farmers the reliability needed to maintain productivity throughout the year," he stated. He noted that the government is committed to ensuring that farmers have the tools and infrastructure to adapt to these challenges, thereby safeguarding livelihoods and national food security.
Citing ongoing irrigation initiatives in Meru County, the PS revealed that the government has allocated approximately Ksh. 750 million towards projects aimed at modernizing irrigation systems and expanding arable land under reliable water supply. He expressed confidence that these investments would significantly increase agricultural productivity and improve the livelihoods of local communities. According to PS Kimotho, the projects currently cover around 2,581 acres of land and are expected to directly benefit over 5,381 households, transforming farming practices and enabling more consistent crop yields.
In addition to highlighting the economic benefits, PS Kimotho drew attention to the social dimensions of water access, particularly in relation to gender. Aligning his remarks with this year’s theme, Water and Gender, he pointed out that women and girls continue to bear the brunt of water insecurity, often spending hours fetching water while also contributing significantly to agricultural labor. He noted that women provide up to 70% of the labor in agriculture, yet they often face systemic barriers in accessing critical resources like irrigation.
"Expanding access to irrigation is therefore key to unlocking productivity, reducing poverty, and promoting equity," PS Kimotho emphasized. He further encouraged all stakeholders—including county governments, civil society organizations, and development partners—to take proactive measures to ensure water security and sustainability. This includes conserving water towers, protecting catchment areas and forests, and promoting inclusive access to irrigation technologies, particularly targeting women and youth, to ensure a more equitable and sustainable future.
PS Kimotho was accompanied by Water and Irrigation Cabinet Secretary Eng. Eric Mugaa, who reiterated the government’s dedication to implementing programs that improve water, sanitation, and irrigation across the nation. CS Mugaa noted that ongoing efforts include expanding access to clean water, improving water storage facilities, and constructing modern irrigation systems to support farmers in both arid and semi-arid regions.
“The government recognizes that sustainable access to water is the backbone of economic growth and social development,” CS Mugaa stated. “Through targeted interventions in irrigation, we aim to create a resilient agricultural sector capable of feeding the nation and supporting livelihoods, particularly for the most vulnerable communities.”
The visit also saw the presence of other senior officials, including Public Service CS Geoffrey Ruku, Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura, Deputy Head of Public Service Amos Gachecha, and several other Principal Secretaries. Their participation underscored the cross-sectoral nature of the government’s approach to water management and the recognition that irrigation is central to achieving broader developmental goals, including poverty reduction, gender equity, and climate resilience.
Experts have long argued that investment in irrigation is a critical pathway to transforming agriculture in Kenya. By enabling year-round farming, improving water use efficiency, and supporting the adoption of modern technologies, irrigation projects can significantly increase crop yields and farmers’ incomes. Moreover, by prioritizing women and youth in these programs, the government is helping to bridge long-standing inequalities and empower those who form the backbone of the agricultural sector.
PS Kimotho concluded by urging communities, development partners, and local leaders to join hands with the government in safeguarding water resources and ensuring that irrigation benefits reach all corners of the country. “Sustainable water management and equitable access to irrigation are not only a matter of policy but a moral imperative,” he said. “If we all play our part, we can build a resilient agricultural sector that secures livelihoods, enhances food security, and ensures a sustainable future for generations to come.”
With these interventions, the government aims to ensure that Kenya’s agricultural sector remains vibrant and productive despite the challenges posed by climate change, population growth, and resource scarcity. By investing in modern irrigation infrastructure, the country is taking a significant step toward achieving long-term food security, economic development, and social equity, particularly for marginalized groups who have historically faced barriers in accessing water and agricultural resources.
PS Kimotho emphasized that irrigation is not only vital for sustaining agricultural output but also a critical intervention in mitigating the adverse effects of climate change. "With erratic rainfall patterns becoming increasingly common due to climate change, irrigation offers farmers the reliability needed to maintain productivity throughout the year," he stated. He noted that the government is committed to ensuring that farmers have the tools and infrastructure to adapt to these challenges, thereby safeguarding livelihoods and national food security.
Citing ongoing irrigation initiatives in Meru County, the PS revealed that the government has allocated approximately Ksh. 750 million towards projects aimed at modernizing irrigation systems and expanding arable land under reliable water supply. He expressed confidence that these investments would significantly increase agricultural productivity and improve the livelihoods of local communities. According to PS Kimotho, the projects currently cover around 2,581 acres of land and are expected to directly benefit over 5,381 households, transforming farming practices and enabling more consistent crop yields.
In addition to highlighting the economic benefits, PS Kimotho drew attention to the social dimensions of water access, particularly in relation to gender. Aligning his remarks with this year’s theme, Water and Gender, he pointed out that women and girls continue to bear the brunt of water insecurity, often spending hours fetching water while also contributing significantly to agricultural labor. He noted that women provide up to 70% of the labor in agriculture, yet they often face systemic barriers in accessing critical resources like irrigation.
"Expanding access to irrigation is therefore key to unlocking productivity, reducing poverty, and promoting equity," PS Kimotho emphasized. He further encouraged all stakeholders—including county governments, civil society organizations, and development partners—to take proactive measures to ensure water security and sustainability. This includes conserving water towers, protecting catchment areas and forests, and promoting inclusive access to irrigation technologies, particularly targeting women and youth, to ensure a more equitable and sustainable future.
PS Kimotho was accompanied by Water and Irrigation Cabinet Secretary Eng. Eric Mugaa, who reiterated the government’s dedication to implementing programs that improve water, sanitation, and irrigation across the nation. CS Mugaa noted that ongoing efforts include expanding access to clean water, improving water storage facilities, and constructing modern irrigation systems to support farmers in both arid and semi-arid regions.
“The government recognizes that sustainable access to water is the backbone of economic growth and social development,” CS Mugaa stated. “Through targeted interventions in irrigation, we aim to create a resilient agricultural sector capable of feeding the nation and supporting livelihoods, particularly for the most vulnerable communities.”
The visit also saw the presence of other senior officials, including Public Service CS Geoffrey Ruku, Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura, Deputy Head of Public Service Amos Gachecha, and several other Principal Secretaries. Their participation underscored the cross-sectoral nature of the government’s approach to water management and the recognition that irrigation is central to achieving broader developmental goals, including poverty reduction, gender equity, and climate resilience.
Experts have long argued that investment in irrigation is a critical pathway to transforming agriculture in Kenya. By enabling year-round farming, improving water use efficiency, and supporting the adoption of modern technologies, irrigation projects can significantly increase crop yields and farmers’ incomes. Moreover, by prioritizing women and youth in these programs, the government is helping to bridge long-standing inequalities and empower those who form the backbone of the agricultural sector.
PS Kimotho concluded by urging communities, development partners, and local leaders to join hands with the government in safeguarding water resources and ensuring that irrigation benefits reach all corners of the country. “Sustainable water management and equitable access to irrigation are not only a matter of policy but a moral imperative,” he said. “If we all play our part, we can build a resilient agricultural sector that secures livelihoods, enhances food security, and ensures a sustainable future for generations to come.”
With these interventions, the government aims to ensure that Kenya’s agricultural sector remains vibrant and productive despite the challenges posed by climate change, population growth, and resource scarcity. By investing in modern irrigation infrastructure, the country is taking a significant step toward achieving long-term food security, economic development, and social equity, particularly for marginalized groups who have historically faced barriers in accessing water and agricultural resources.
