President William Ruto has announced that the long-awaited Galana Kulalu food security project is finally ready for full operationalization. This milestone comes after the completion of construction works on the siltation basin and canal for the project, which aims to optimize water management for enhanced agricultural productivity.
Two years ago, President Ruto directed the construction of key infrastructure for the project, including an intake, pump station, inlet canal, reservoir, outlet canal, and off-take reservoir. The infrastructure, costing Sh519.4 million, is now fully built and undergoing final testing. It includes a 753-meter inlet canal, a 450 million-liter reservoir, a 1,210-meter outlet canal, and a 20 million-liter off-take sump.
During an inspection of the testing phase of the project, President Ruto emphasized the government’s commitment to working with the private sector under a Public-Private Partnership to operationalize the project and scale up food production. He highlighted the project’s potential to eradicate hunger in the country and create job opportunities while also boosting food and animal feed production for export.
A Memorandum of Understanding between Kenya and the United Arab Emirates will see companies investing in food and animal feed production on a total of 250,000 acres of land, with a significant portion allocated to various stakeholders. To ensure adequate water supply for irrigation, a dam will be built on the River Galana.
Critical infrastructure such as the Galana-Kulalu Bridge and access road, as well as electrification of the project, are also being constructed to facilitate the efficient movement of produce and lower production costs by eliminating the use of diesel. The electrification project, costing Sh2.9 billion and expected to be completed by 2026, will support sustainable food security and agro-processing facilities within the irrigation scheme.
President Ruto reiterated his commitment to fulfilling pledges made to Kenyans and urged leaders to focus on initiatives that will positively impact people’s lives, rather than engaging in divisive politics. He emphasized the government’s dedication to serving all citizens equally, regardless of their political affiliations.
In conclusion, President Ruto’s announcement signals a significant step towards achieving food security and economic growth through the Galana Kulalu project. The integration of private sector partnerships and investment in critical infrastructure demonstrates the government’s proactive approach to addressing agricultural challenges and driving sustainable development in Kenya.
