NAIROBI, Kenya – President William Ruto has welcomed the signing of a Sh40 billion contract for the construction of the Galana-Kulalu Dam, terming it a major step in Kenya’s transition from rain-dependent farming to large-scale, reliable irrigation aimed at boosting food security.
The dam, to be built under the flagship Galana-Kulalu Food Security Project, is expected to unlock irrigation across up to 300,000 acres in Tana River and Kilifi counties, significantly expanding agricultural production in one of the country’s most ambitious farming zones.
In a statement issued after the signing ceremony in Nairobi, President Ruto said the project signals a decisive shift in agricultural policy, anchoring food production on dependable water supply rather than unpredictable rainfall.
“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 in Tana River and Kilifi counties. This is a bold step in our transition from rain-fed farming to reliable, large-scale irrigation,” Ruto said.
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 agreement was signed between the National Irrigation Authority (NIA) and China Communications Construction Company Kenya Ltd, covering the engineering, construction and financing of the dam, alongside the development of a water conveyance system to support irrigation in the region.
Project details indicate the dam will have a storage capacity of 305 million cubic metres, with an annual water supply output of up to one billion cubic metres.
Beyond agriculture, the project is expected to supply clean drinking water to about 70,000 households in surrounding communities.
According to President Ruto, the dam’s impact will extend beyond food production, improving public health and living standards while delivering broad economic benefits.
“The project will also supply safe drinking water to 70,000 households, improving health and dignity for local communities,” he said.
The President noted that enhanced irrigation is expected to stabilise food prices, reduce reliance on imports, increase agricultural exports and stimulate agro-processing and value addition industries.
He added that the project will create thousands of jobs, particularly for young people, and contribute to inclusive economic growth.
The Galana-Kulalu Dam is being implemented as a joint investment between the Governments of Kenya and the United Arab Emirates, in partnership with China Communications Construction Company Kenya Ltd. Kenya’s share of the financing will be sourced through the National Infrastructure Fund.
Ruto said returns on the investment will be secured through a Water Purchase Agreement framework already embedded in Kenya’s legal system, ensuring accountability and sustainability in the use of public funds.
The contract was formally signed by National Irrigation Authority Chief Executive Officer Charles Muasya and China Communications Construction Company Kenya Ltd Deputy General Manager Du Shan.
The dam forms a central pillar of the government’s long-term strategy to transform agriculture, strengthen climate resilience and secure reliable water resources for farming and domestic use, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions.
