The government is accelerating infrastructure development to unlock the full agricultural potential of the Galana/Kulalu Food Security Project in Kilifi County. Major road, bridge, and electrification works are at various stages of completion, ranging from 30 to 99 percent, aimed at improving connectivity and productivity in the expansive irrigation scheme.
A centerpiece of the development is the construction of the 200-metre-long Galana/Kulalu Bridge, valued at Sh1.493 billion. Once complete, the bridge will link the irrigation scheme to the Malindi–Sala Gate Road, ensuring smooth delivery of farm inputs and efficient transportation of produce. Major substructure works have been finalized, with superstructure construction underway, and completion is expected by March 2026.
Another significant project, the Sh2.3 billion Baricho Bridge and Approach Roads, is nearing completion, with the bridge works already 99 percent done. These infrastructure links are expected to enhance transport efficiency, particularly for maize produced under irrigation within the scheme.
To address energy needs, the Rural Electrification and Renewable Energy Corporation (REREC) has launched a Sh2.9 million initiative to connect the farm to the national grid, reducing dependence on costly diesel-powered pumps. A step-down substation is under construction, currently 30 percent complete, with two transformers planned to meet the scheme’s energy demands. The power line will run from Baolala to the Galana/Kulalu farm, incorporating multiple substations along the route.
Road upgrades are also in progress. The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) is repairing the Malindi–Sala Gate Road to better accommodate heavy commercial vehicles transporting machinery and farm produce. Plans are in place to strengthen the road to handle increased traffic, with the Malindi–Kakuyuni stretch receiving priority repairs due to severe pothole damage.
Additionally, the Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA) is constructing a 10-kilometre link road from Gede Trading Centre to Kakuyuni, connecting to the Malindi–Sala Gate Road. This route will serve as a bypass for traffic heading to the farm and Tsavo East National Park, reducing congestion in Malindi town.
Residents along the new road segment have welcomed the development, noting improved transport convenience. However, they have called for the installation of speed bumps to curb the rising risk of accidents from speeding motorcycles.
The combined infrastructure improvements are set to enhance agricultural output, strengthen market access, and support Kenya’s broader food security objectives.
