NAIROBI, Kenya – Kenya plans to halt rice imports by 2032 once ongoing irrigation projects are completed, according to Irrigation Principal Secretary (PS) Ephantus Kimotho.
The country currently faces an annual rice deficit of 770,000 metric tonnes, forcing it to spend approximately $300 million (Sh38.83 billion) on imports to meet demand.
Speaking during the commissioning of the Bura irrigation project, Kimotho said investments in large-scale irrigation are set to significantly boost local production.
Kenya’s annual rice consumption stands at over one million metric tonnes, yet local production is only 270,000 metric tonnes, a slight increase from 190,000 metric tonnes when the Kenya Kwanza administration took office.
“With the completion of projects like the Thiba Dam and the expansion of the Mwea Irrigation Scheme, we have seen improved yields. The next phase of irrigation projects will ensure we meet domestic demand fully by 2032,” Kimotho stated.
Key Irrigation Projects Underway
The Bura irrigation project, which includes a gravity intake and a 26-kilometre canal, is expected to save taxpayers Sh120 million annually by reducing reliance on expensive water pumping systems.
Additionally, the Galana Kulalu Food Security Project is set for expansion under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP).
Private investors will begin farming on 5,400 acres in April 2025, with further plans to expand irrigation to 200,000 acres through the construction of the Galana Dam.
Among the key investors is Al-Dahra Group, a multinational agribusiness firm with operations across Egypt, Romania, Serbia, and the U.S.
The company signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the National Irrigation Authority and Agricultural Development Corporation (ADC) on February 13, 2025, allowing it to conduct feasibility studies.
Other major projects include:
1. High Grand Falls Dam (Kitui, Tharaka Nithi, and Tana River counties) – Set to break ground later this year.
2. Thuci Dam (Embu County) – Part of ongoing national water security efforts.
3. Siyoi-Muruny Dam (West Pokot) – Currently 77% complete, delayed due to funding gaps.
4. Umaa Dam (Kitui County) – 74% complete, expected to boost regional water supply.
5. Mwache Dam (Kilifi County) – Only 22% complete, but now back on track after resolving land resettlement issues.
Funding Gaps Threaten Completion Timelines
Despite the ambitious plans, the State Department of Irrigation faces a funding shortfall of Sh31.886 billion for the 2025/26 financial year.
While the department requires Sh50.75 billion, only Sh18.863 billion has been allocated in the budget policy statement.
The development budget, which supports the bulk of irrigation projects, requires Sh48.988 billion, but only Sh17.444 billion has been set aside, leaving a Sh31.544 billion gap.
The government hopes to raise Sh5.927 billion from development partners while Sh25.617 billion remains unfunded.
Despite the financial constraints, the government has laid out key targets for the 2025/26 fiscal year, including rehabilitating 18,500 acres in Bura and expanding irrigation by 34,900 acres, completing Mwache Dam by 2027, adding 13.3 million cubic meters of water storage, licensing 320 irrigation schemes and equipping 70 schools with irrigation systems, and enhancing flood control through new dikes and check dams.
As the country pushes towards agricultural self-sufficiency, irrigation remains at the heart of Kenya’s food security strategy.
However, meeting the ambitious 2032 deadline to end rice imports will depend on whether the government can bridge the existing funding gaps and complete its flagship projects on schedule.
