Kenya has emphasized the importance of food security in the country. In a post dated Wednesday, January 28, Principal Secretary for Internal Security and National Administration Raymond Omollo emphasized the connection between the nation’s security and the degree of food security in the country.
“As we strengthen our security frameworks, food security remains a core part of that work. A well-fed nation is a stable and secure nation,” Omollo said.
The Galana-Kulalu Irrigation Scheme is undergoing a revamped revival through a new strategy dubbed a Public-Private Partnership. This strategy has seen the government push the project’s revival with the aim of unlocking the project’s full potential.
The revival strategy involves the application of fertigation technology. This technology involves the application of fertilizers that dissolve in water through the irrigation system. The strategy also involves the application of modern centre-pivot irrigation technology.
This technology has seen the activation of nine centre-pivots currently. This number is expected to increase to 23. This expansion is meant to ensure the planting of crops on about 3,000 acres of land. The crops focus on maize, onions, and cassava.
The expansion strategy is expected to be a gradual process. This is with the aim of reaching a total of about 6,400 acres of land by June 2026. This figure is expected to increase to 20,000 acres in the first phase.
The project has the potential of reducing the country’s dependence on imported food products by as much as 40%. This has the implication of promoting economic growth and security.
The revival strategy of the Galana-Kulalu Irrigation Scheme is meant to ensure the long-term sustainable production of food in the country.
