Galana Harvest Of 9,000 Bags Of Maize Ushers In A New Era Of Food Security For Kenya

Kenya has achieved a significant milestone in its agricultural transformation with the delivery of 9,000 bags of maize from the Galana-Kulalu Food Security Project. The project, implemented through a Public-Private Partnership between the government and private investor Selu Limited, marks the successful harvest of about 860,000 kilograms of seed maize from 330 of the 1,500 acres currently under cultivation.
Speaking during the launch, Water, Sanitation and Irrigation Cabinet Secretary Eng. Eric Mugaa hailed the achievement as a turning point in the nation’s efforts to secure reliable food supplies. He noted that the project’s success demonstrates the power of collaboration between government, Parliament, and the private sector in addressing the country’s food security challenges.
The government, through the National Irrigation Authority, has invested KSh519 million in essential irrigation infrastructure to support the project. These investments include a 20,000-cubic-metre intake well, a two-kilometre lined canal, a 550,000-cubic-metre water reservoir, and a 20,000-cubic-metre offtake pump to ensure a consistent and sustainable water supply throughout the farming cycle.
Selu Limited has deployed nine centre pivots to irrigate the initial 1,500 acres and plans to expand to 3,200 acres by the end of this year, with a target of 5,400 acres by June 2026. The long-term plan aims to open up 20,000 acres of farmland within the wider Galana block, unlocking the immense agricultural potential of the region.
Eng. Mugaa emphasized that the Galana-Kulalu initiative aligns with the government’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda, which seeks to boost agricultural productivity and rural incomes. He projected that, once fully operational, the project could help the country save between KSh400 billion and KSh600 billion currently spent on food imports each year.
Irrigation Principal Secretary Ephantus Kimotho revealed that discussions are underway with other private investors to explore the development of an additional 180,000 acres under the scheme. To support this expansion, the government plans to construct a mega dam to strengthen irrigation capacity. He underscored the critical role of private sector participation, noting that PPPs bring in modern technology, efficient management practices, and a business-oriented approach that ensures productivity and sustainability.
Kimotho also announced that by-products from the harvested maize will be converted into animal feed, creating an integrated value chain that benefits both crop and livestock farmers. The Galana project is already generating local employment and stimulating economic activity across Kilifi and Tana River counties, contributing to rural development and job creation.
The Galana-Kulalu Food Security Project now stands as a model for modern, irrigation-driven agriculture that can withstand climate shocks and reduce dependence on rain-fed farming. It reflects the government’s unwavering commitment to ensuring national food sufficiency, supporting farmers, and transforming Kenya into a self-reliant agricultural economy.