NAIROBI, Kenya- Kenya has taken a major step towards strengthening food security and irrigation development after signing a Sh40 billion contract for the construction of the Galana Kulalu Dam, a flagship project expected to transform agriculture in the coastal region.
The dam will be constructed at Galana Kulalu in Tana River and Kilifi counties and will irrigate up to 300,000 acres of land, marking a decisive shift from rain-fed farming to reliable, large-scale irrigation.
The agreement was signed between the National Irrigation Authority (NIA) and China Communications Construction Company Kenya Ltd and covers the engineering, construction, and financing of the dam, as well as its irrigation water conveyance system.
Once completed, the dam will have a storage capacity of 305 million cubic metres of water and is expected to deliver up to one billion cubic metres annually.
In addition to supporting irrigation, the project will supply safe drinking water to about 70,000 households, significantly improving health outcomes and living conditions for local communities.
Government officials say the Galana Kulalu Dam will play a critical role in boosting agricultural productivity, stabilising food supply, and reducing Kenya’s dependence on food imports.
The signing of the KSh40 billion contract for the construction of Galana Kulalu Dam will strengthen our food security by irrigating up to 300,000 acres at Galana Kulalu in Tana River and Kilifi counties. This is a bold step in our transition from rain-fed farming to reliable,
The project is also expected to expand exports, promote agro-processing and value addition, and create thousands of jobs, particularly for young people.
The dam is being implemented as a joint investment project between the Governments of Kenya and the United Arab Emirates, in partnership with China Communications Construction Company Kenya Ltd. Kenya’s contribution will be financed through the National Infrastructure Fund.
Returns on the investment will be realised through the Water Purchase Agreement Framework, which is already embedded within Kenya’s legal and institutional infrastructure.
The contract was signed in Nairobi by National Irrigation Authority Chief Executive Officer Charles Muasya and China Communications Construction Company Kenya Ltd Deputy General Manager Du Shan.
Once operational, the Galana Kulalu Dam is expected to become one of Kenya’s most significant irrigation and water infrastructure projects, anchoring long-term food security, economic growth, and regional development.
