Kenya’s flagship Galana-Kulalu Food Security Project has received a major boost through a Sh12.5 billion private sector investment under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, signaling renewed momentum in the country’s quest for agricultural transformation.
Spanning 1.5 million acres across Kilifi and Tana River counties, the initiative is designed to enhance food production, create jobs, and supply raw materials to agro-industries. The National Irrigation Authority (NIA) has already completed a 600,000-cubic metre reservoir funded by Sh519 million from the National Treasury, capable of irrigating around 10,000 acres.
The land is leased to Selu Ltd, a firm founded by former Twiga Foods CEO Peter Njonjo. Selu aims to cultivate 20,000 acres of maize, targeting yields of over 9 metric tonnes per hectare, this is well above the national average. The land was previously under Twiga Foods before being transferred to Selu.
During a recent site visit, Principal Secretaries Dr. Chris Kiptoo of the National Treasury and Eng. Ephantus Kimotho (Irrigation) assessed progress and reaffirmed the project’s viability. Kiptoo projected that the 20,000 acres could yield 1.4 million bags of maize annually, generating Sh5.6 billion in revenue at current market prices.
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“This is a textbook example of how PPPs can deliver development under tight fiscal conditions,” Kiptoo said. “We’re encouraging PPPs for commercially viable projects like this one.”
He added that full utilization of the 1.5 million acres would reduce food imports, save foreign exchange, and raise farmer incomes. Kiptoo also revealed that a Sh35 billion Galana Dam is in the pipeline, with a contractor already identified. The dam is expected to unlock further investment and expand irrigation capacity.
Irrigation PS Kimotho highlighted infrastructure upgrades, including a new intake system and on-farm roads. He noted that Selu is partnering with a Korean firm to install a 2.5-megawatt solar water pumping system, replacing diesel-powered units. The Rural Electrification and Renewable Energy Corporation is also building a power plant set to be operational by June 2026.
Phase one covers 10,000 acres. Phase two will expand to 32,000 acres, and phase three could reach up to 500,000 acres.
By Masaki Enock
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