The Principal Secretary for Irrigation, CPA Ephantus Kimotho, CBS, has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to prioritize Tana River County for major irrigation development due to its vast potential in addressing food insecurity and reducing the country’s rice deficit.
Speaking in Hola, Tana River County, during a public participation forum on Operation and Maintenance (O&M) and the electrification of the Hola Irrigation Scheme, the PS said the county is well positioned to become one of Kenya’s leading rice production zones.
He was accompanied by the Irrigation Secretary in charge of Land Reclamation, Climate Resilience and Irrigation Water Management, Mr. Joel Tanui, the Chairman of the National Irrigation Authority (NIA), Eng. Gilbert Maluki, and NIA Chief Executive Officer, Eng. Charles Muasya, MBS.
The Hola Irrigation Scheme, one of the oldest irrigation projects dating back to the colonial period, has remained a cornerstone of rice production in the region, particularly the popular Kwamboka rice variety.
With the recent electrification of the scheme, farmers will now benefit from reduced operational costs, as electricity replaces the costly diesel pumps that previously consumed about KSh 10 million monthly. The shift is expected to lower pumping costs by nearly 70 percent.
PS Kimotho assured farmers that the government, through a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach, is committed to revolutionizing irrigation by attracting investment and delivering sustainable solutions.
He noted that with the planned construction of the High Grand Falls Dam, Tana River County stands to benefit immensely, with irrigation potential estimated at 400,000 acres.
Among the immediate priorities in Hola are the expansion of 3,000 acres of irrigated land, rehabilitation of 4,500 acres of existing infrastructure, desilting of canals, rehabilitation of two water reservoirs in Areas 4 and 5, and the upgrading of intakes.
Plans are also underway to transition the scheme from electricity to gravity-fed irrigation, similar to Bura and Lower Nzoia schemes, to further cut costs.
The PS emphasized that the government’s broader irrigation agenda is anchored on ensuring water security, reducing energy costs, and expanding agricultural value chains. Plans include setting up storage and milling plants, strengthening cooperative societies, and linking farmers to local and international markets.
“We want to make sure farmers have water, storage, and markets. With electrification in place and expansion underway, farmers’ only task will be farming and production, which will guarantee them up to three times more profit,” added PS Kimotho.
Farmers’ leaders, including Cooperative Chairman Omar Akare, raised requests for machines to support in sunflower oil processing, aggregation and storage facilities, and stronger market linkages.
NIA Chairman Eng. Maluki promised to follow up on the requests, while CEO Eng. Muasya assured farmers of the Authority’s commitment to ensure they reap maximum benefits from irrigation.
Other leaders, including She Bonaya, Chair of the Irrigation Committee, emphasized the importance of involving youth in the planned expansion of 1,000 acres for young farmers, improving rural access roads, and prioritizing locals in employment opportunities.
Farmers welcomed the reforms, noting that the revival of cooperatives, provision of irrigation infrastructure, and government support would significantly boost productivity and empower local communities.
Also present were the Deputy County Commissioner Mr. Mwangi, Acting County Secretary and CEC for Agriculture Tana River County Mwanajuma Hiribae, Hola Scheme Manager James Aperiet, and the Irrigation Water Users Association Chairman John Asumbi among others.
