Kenyan authorities have revealed intentions to initiate construction of six major dams this year, aligning with President William Ruto’s commitment to develop 50 large-scale water reservoirs across the country.
This initiative seeks to enhance irrigation systems, bolster national food security, and shield agriculturalists from escalating climate-related adversities.
Led by the Water and Irrigation Ministry, these projects are anticipated to concentrate primarily on arid and semi-arid regions that have persistently been underexploited owing to inconsistent rainfall patterns.
The six dams scheduled to commence development this year encompass initiatives planned for Turkana, Baringo, Embu, Isiolo, Kitui, Tharaka Nithi, Tana River, and Kilifi counties.
Irrigation Principal Secretary Ephantus Kimotho, speaking on Tuesday, January 27, emphasized that irrigation expansion forms a cornerstone of the government’s enduring approach to climate resilience and sustainable farming practices.
“When rainfall becomes scarce, farmers suffer significantly, which represents one of climate change’s impacts. Irrigation serves as a countermeasure. During rainy periods, we conserve water, and in times of drought, we utilize this stored water for agricultural purposes,” Kimotho explained.
The principal secretary noted that nearly two million acres have been allocated for irrigation initiatives nationwide, concentrating predominantly on regions frequently impacted by drought and prolonged arid conditions. Kimotho stressed that irrigation would cease to be regarded as a supplementary measure, evolving into a primary agricultural development strategy.
Programmes Irrigation Secretary Michael Thuita also contributed to the discussion, stating that the government’s irrigation efforts deliberately target arid zones, which he characterized as Kenya’s most significant unexploited agricultural asset.
“We are committed to enlarging the irrigated land area by advocating for substantial reservoirs in ASAL regions including Mandera and the broader North Eastern territory. This area possesses abundant land, solar energy, and workforce, but lacks dependable water systems,” Thuita remarked.
He highlighted that arid and semi-arid regions constitute 80 to 89 percent of Kenya’s total land area, yet contribute a disproportionately small fraction to the nation’s agricultural output.
Thuita additionally disclosed that recurring droughts have rendered these zones focal points for food insecurity and emergency aid, with millions of families needing support during extended dry periods.
Beyond enhancing food production, Ministry officials indicated that the dams and irrigation initiatives are projected to spur broader economic activities, encompassing agro-processing, value enhancement, and rural job creation.