The proposed expansion of large-scale maize farming in Kilifi County has raised environmental and community concerns, with the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) calling for measures to protect water sources, wildlife and the livelihoods of local communities.
The project involves the establishment of a 10,000-acre maize farm under the Galana Kulalu Food Security Project. It will also include rehabilitation of existing water intake facilities, improvement of infrastructure and construction of other facilities linked to the farm.
NEMA has received an Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) report for the project and is now seeking views from the public before deciding whether to approve it.
According to a Gazette Notice published on Friday, August 28, 2026, the project will be undertaken by Selu Galana Farm Limited in Selu Village, Kisiki Sub-location, Chakama Location, Lengo Mbaya Division in Magharini Constituency.
Water use raises concern
One of the main issues highlighted in the assessment is how water from the Galana River will be shared between the farm and other users.
The project proposes measures to ensure fair distribution of water and monitoring of water abstraction by different users.
NEMA has recommended the formation of a Galana River Users Association to help oversee water use and ensure different groups have access to the resource.
The assessment also calls for herders’ migration routes and river access points to be mapped and clearly marked.
This is meant to help reduce possible conflicts as agricultural activities expand in an area where communities also depend on the land and river for their livelihoods.
Wildlife corridors to be protected
NEMA has also raised concerns about the impact of the farm on natural vegetation and wildlife movement.
The authority has recommended protecting vegetation and wildlife migration routes, particularly around drainage lines that provide water and vegetation for animals.
A riverine corridor measuring between 100 and 500 metres has been proposed, with vegetation clearing restricted to areas where it is necessary for the project.
The recommendations are aimed at limiting the impact of the large farm on the surrounding ecosystem and reducing the possibility of increased human-wildlife conflict.
The project is also expected to have an irrigation water reserve lasting three months, while NEMA has called for the construction of the proposed Galana Dam to be expedited.
Tree planting proposed
Given the size of the farm, NEMA has proposed measures to replace vegetation that may be cleared during development.
These include a re-vegetation and landscaping programme and the establishment of a tree nursery.
The proposed nursery would include species such as tamarind, Acacia, Commiphora and Erythrina.
Public given 30 days to comment
NEMA has given members of the public 30 days from the date of publication of the notice to submit their views on the project.
Residents and other interested parties can either support or oppose the proposal and can also suggest changes they would like made.
The authority will consider the submissions before making a decision on whether to grant approval for the project.
The proposed farm comes at a time when Kenya is dealing with concerns over maize supplies following drought and poor weather in some major farming areas.
The government has been considering maize imports to bridge the expected supply gap.
The wider Galana Kulalu Food Project covers parts of Kilifi and Tana River counties and seeks to turn large areas of dry land into productive agricultural land through irrigation.
The project is being revived under a public-private partnership model, with private companies expected to participate in agricultural production.
