The government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening irrigation as part of efforts to boost food security, increase agricultural productivity and support rural livelihoods across the country.
Water, Sanitation and Irrigation Cabinet Secretary Eric Mugaa said irrigation remains critical to Kenya’s economy as it enables farmers to grow high-value crops throughout the year regardless of rainfall patterns, while also creating jobs and increasing export earnings.
“In line with the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), we are committed to improving irrigated agriculture by empowering smallholder farmers, modernising schemes, and expanding access to modern technologies for greater productivity and resilience,”statement.
Speaking after a consultative meeting with officials from the irrigation sector, Mugaa said the government is prioritising improved irrigated agriculture under the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda through support for smallholder farmers, modernization of irrigation schemes and expansion of access to modern farming technologies.
The meeting brought together Charles Muasya, Chief Executive Officer of the National Irrigation Authority, State Department for Irrigation Administrative Secretary Daniel Kipkemei and Senior Chief Finance Officer Daniel Mutune Kihara.
The discussions focused on the status of the country’s irrigation portfolio and strategies aimed at enhancing productivity and resilience in the agricultural sector.
