At least five new investors are set to join Twiga Limited in supporting the Galana-Kulalu Irrigation Scheme, according to a Kenyan government official.
Agriculture Principal Secretary, Dr Paul Rono, revealed that these investors, encompassing both local and international entities, are poised to collaborate with Twiga, an agricultural technology firm that has been actively engaged at the site since last year.
Dr Rono said this move is anticipated to significantly enhance the nation’s food security objectives, aligning with Kenya’s overarching goal of reducing reliance on imports by fostering domestic agricultural production.
“We are pleased to announce the involvement of five new investors who express a keen interest in participating in the Galana-Kulalu irrigation scheme,” said Dr Rono.
In the preceding year, Twiga transferred its operational rights over a portion of the expansive one-million-acre Galana-Kulalu Scheme to Selu Limited.
This transfer aimed at facilitating the development of 20,000 acres dedicated to maize production. Selu Limited, established as a special-purpose vehicle, is committed to investing in and transforming the Galana-Kulalu irrigation project by implementing innovative and sustainable farming practices.
Currently immersed in the developmental phase covering 500 acres, Selu Limited aspires to achieve a yield surpassing nine tonnes per hectare. This target stands at 4.5 times the average Kenyan yield of two tonnes from an equivalent land area.
The Galana-Kulalu project’s evolution is realised through a Public-Private Partnership with the government, underscoring a concerted effort to fortify the country’s food security.
Initially conceived as one of President Kenyatta’s flagship projects during the first term of the Jubilee administration, the Galana-Kulalu food initiative is key in advancing national food security goals and curbing dependency on imports.
However, the project faced setbacks due to discord between the National Irrigation Authority (NIA) and an Israeli contractor- Green Arava.
The State agency accused the contractor of inflating project costs, leading to a temporary derailment of the initiative.
gandae@businessdayafrica.org