For many Kenyan farmers, the rains are no longer something they can count on.
One season it pours when it shouldn’t. Next, it delays for weeks. The result? Confusion, losses, and growing uncertainty about when—or even whether—to plant.
Now, the government says it’s time to rethink how agriculture works in the country.
Speaking on the Bonga Na Gava podcast, Cabinet Secretary for Water, Sanitation and Irrigation, Eng. Eric Mugaa shared a new direction: moving Kenya away from overdependence on rain-fed farming and toward irrigation-driven agriculture.
“Climate change has made traditional farming unreliable,” Mugaa explained. “Farmers can no longer depend on predictable seasons. We need to create a system where crops can be grown at any time.”
The goal is simple but powerful: stability.
Instead of waiting for rain, farmers would have access to water when they need it—making planning easier and harvests more reliable.
Rather than relying heavily on taxpayer money, the government plans to convert existing public assets into funding for new infrastructure—a strategy Mugaa described as “asset conversion.”
This approach will also open the door for private investors through Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs), bringing in additional capital to fast-track major projects.
Mugaa reassured Kenyans that water prices will remain regulated and affordable. The government, through the NIF, will step in to bridge the gap between investor expectations and the tariffs set by the Water Services Regulatory Board (WASREB).
In simple terms, investors can still make returns, but wananchi won’t bear the burden of high water costs.
With a budget of KSh38 billion, the project is expected to significantly boost water supply in the region. However, progress stalled due to concerns about the previous contractor.
Now, the government is looking to Italy for a new partner.
“We carried out due diligence, but we were not satisfied with the earlier proposal,” Mugaa said. “We’ve asked the Italian government to help us identify a new contractor who can deliver the project effectively.”
If successful, irrigation-based farming could reduce crop failures, stabilize food production, and protect livelihoods from the unpredictability of climate change.
The rain may still come, but soon, it may no longer determine whether Kenya eats or not.
Source: Citizen Digital
One season it pours when it shouldn’t. Next, it delays for weeks. The result? Confusion, losses, and growing uncertainty about when—or even whether—to plant.
Now, the government says it’s time to rethink how agriculture works in the country.
Speaking on the Bonga Na Gava podcast, Cabinet Secretary for Water, Sanitation and Irrigation, Eng. Eric Mugaa shared a new direction: moving Kenya away from overdependence on rain-fed farming and toward irrigation-driven agriculture.
“Climate change has made traditional farming unreliable,” Mugaa explained. “Farmers can no longer depend on predictable seasons. We need to create a system where crops can be grown at any time.”
New Focus: Building Dams
At the heart of this plan is an ambitious push to construct more dams across the country. These dams are expected to provide a steady and controlled water supply for irrigation, helping farmers grow crops regardless of weather patterns.The goal is simple but powerful: stability.
Instead of waiting for rain, farmers would have access to water when they need it—making planning easier and harvests more reliable.
Rethinking How Projects Are Funded
But building dams at scale is expensive. To address this, the government is turning to a new financing model through the National Infrastructure Fund (NIF).Rather than relying heavily on taxpayer money, the government plans to convert existing public assets into funding for new infrastructure—a strategy Mugaa described as “asset conversion.”
This approach will also open the door for private investors through Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs), bringing in additional capital to fast-track major projects.
Balancing Investment and Affordability
One major concern with private investment is the cost to ordinary citizens.Mugaa reassured Kenyans that water prices will remain regulated and affordable. The government, through the NIF, will step in to bridge the gap between investor expectations and the tariffs set by the Water Services Regulatory Board (WASREB).
In simple terms, investors can still make returns, but wananchi won’t bear the burden of high water costs.
What’s Next for Itare Dam?
The long-delayed Itare Dam project in Nakuru County is also back in focus.With a budget of KSh38 billion, the project is expected to significantly boost water supply in the region. However, progress stalled due to concerns about the previous contractor.
Now, the government is looking to Italy for a new partner.
“We carried out due diligence, but we were not satisfied with the earlier proposal,” Mugaa said. “We’ve asked the Italian government to help us identify a new contractor who can deliver the project effectively.”
A Future Less Dependent on Rain
For farmers across Kenya, this shift could be transformative.If successful, irrigation-based farming could reduce crop failures, stabilize food production, and protect livelihoods from the unpredictability of climate change.
The rain may still come, but soon, it may no longer determine whether Kenya eats or not.
Source: Citizen Digital
