Irrigation state department celebrates end of year as major projects gain momentum

The State Department for Irrigation held its end-of-year luncheon for its staff members at the Kenya School of Monetary Studies, closing the year on an optimistic note.

The department was celebrating what its leadership described as a period of exceptional growth and renewed momentum for Kenya’s irrigation agenda.           

Speaking during the luncheon, the Principal Secretary, Ephantus Kimotho said the State Department had made clear and measurable gains across its priority programmes, driven by stronger coordination, expanded partnerships, and increased government attention on irrigation as a driver of food security.           

According to the PS, 2025 marked a turning point for the sector, with major schemes either completed, revived, or placed firmly on track.

He noted that the department will implement 19 out of the 50 dams targeted by the government, a portfolio that is expected to push an extra 1.5 million acres into productive irrigation. 

He added that a proposal for a specialized government enterprise to oversee these strategic dams had already been drafted for cabinet consideration.

The PS noted that more than 108,000 acres have been put under irrigation this year, resulting in higher national output of key crops and value chains. PS Kimotho gave the example of rice production, which he said, rose from 192,000 to 293,000 metric tonnes this year— an increase attributed to expanded acreage and improved project performance. He further said that notable progress has been witnessed in most schemes and pointed out that long-stalled projects like Kamata and Kanyuambora Irrigation Schemes have been revived after years of delay.          

  The PS led the State Department in lauding President William Ruto for his steadfast support to the irrigation sector through his leadership, increased resource allocation and physical presence during project launches, noting that the Head of State has toured major irrigation sites like Galana and Bura, which according to the PS said, have helped to reinforce the irrigation agenda as a national priority.           

Speaking during the same function, the Irrigation Secretary in charge of Programs, Eng. Michael Thuita urged the staff to fully embrace the State Department’s digital systems, noting that stronger internal coordination would be essential as the State Department prepares for an intensive implementation period in the coming months.

 Eng. Vincent Kabuti, Irrigation Secretary in charge of Infrastructure, described the year as one of the most defining in the department’s 50-year history, noting that a new sector plan designed to improve accessibility and opportunities in the irrigation sector had taken shape.

 Eng. Kabuti noted that the full implementation of the National Irrigation Sector Investment Plan (NISIP will revolutionize the irrigation sector thereby enhancing the country’s food security.

Reviewing the progress made in this calendar year, Eng. Kabuti observed that while some projects faced setbacks, most of the key projects remained active and on schedule.

The Irrigation Secretary in charge of Land Reclamation and Climate Resilience, Joel Tanui, hailed the staff for their resilience and described the year as one where teamwork and leadership aligned to push the projects and the irrigation agenda forward.

The Secretary in charge of Administration, David Kipkemei, applauded the staff for maintaining high professional standards, emphasizing that no disciplinary cases have been reported throughout the year.

Kipkemei observed that the hosting of the year-end gathering was a reflection of improved workplace relations and stronger collaboration across divisions.

He thus called for the building of stronger collaborations and partnerships between and among directorates, agencies and partners as the State Department seeks to increase the acreage under irrigation in the country.

By Esther Maku and Peninah Kihika, PCO