KILIFI, Kenya – President William Ruto has announced the completion of major infrastructure works at the Sh519 million Galana-Kulalu Food Security Project, marking a key step in Kenya’s renewed push for agricultural self-sufficiency.
In a post on his X account, after inspecting the site in Kilifi and Tana River counties, the President said the construction of a siltation basin, inlet and outlet canals, and a water reservoir has been finalised and is now undergoing final testing.
“This marks a significant milestone in actualising the long-awaited food production initiative,” Ruto said. “We are now poised to significantly scale up food production in line with our commitment to making Kenya food sufficient.”
The new infrastructure includes a 753-metre inlet canal, a 1,210-metre outlet canal, a 450-million-litre reservoir, and a 20-million-litre off-take water supply point.
The completion of construction works at the Galana-Kulalu Food Security Project’s siltation basin and water canal marks a significant milestone in actualising the long-awaited food production initiative.The Sh519.4 million infrastructure is now undergoing final testing. It
The facilities are designed to support irrigation and large-scale farming within the Galana-Kulalu project area, which spans over 1.2 million acres across the two counties.
The President also inspected progress on the Galana-Kulalu Bridge and access road, which he said will be critical in linking farmers to markets, and reduce post-harvest losses.
Additionally, he toured the ongoing construction of the area’s electricity supply infrastructure, expected to lower production costs by replacing diesel-powered systems.
Public-Private Partnerships Drive Expansion
The project, which was restructured under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model in early 2023, is now entering a new phase of development.
Private investor Selu Ltd is already undertaking commercial trials on 10,000 acres of land, with plans to double the cultivated area to 20,000 acres in the medium term.
The company’s proposal was approved under the PPP Act 2021 and formalised through a project agreement.
The broader vision for the Galana-Kulalu scheme includes the construction of Galana Dam, which will store up to 306 million cubic metres of water and support irrigation on an additional 350,000 acres.
A Memorandum of Understanding has also been signed with UAE-based Al Dahra Group to potentially expand the project by 200,000 more acres.
This agreement, part of the Kenya-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership, is expected to bring advanced irrigation technology, increase productivity, and improve livelihoods under the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda.
Boosting National Food Security
Originally conceived as a flagship project to reduce Kenya’s reliance on food imports, the Galana-Kulalu initiative has undergone years of delays, budget scrutiny, and design changes.
Once fully operational, the project is expected to significantly enhance maize, horticulture, livestock, and aquaculture production.
Government projections also point to broader socio-economic benefits, including job creation, agro-industrial development, and higher incomes for local communities.
