The Galana Kulalu Food Security Project is registering significant progress, marking a pivotal moment in Kenya’s drive towards sustainable agriculture and national food security. Located in Kilifi and Tana River counties, the initiative is a flagship under the government’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), aimed at turning vast arid lands into productive agricultural zones.
During a recent site visit, Water, Sanitation and Irrigation Cabinet Secretary Eric Mugaa lauded the strides made so far. “We are not just investing in infrastructure; we are investing in Kenya’s future. Galana Kulalu represents a bold step forward for agricultural transformation,” he stated.
Accompanied by senior officials, including Irrigation PS CPA Ephantus Kimotho, Irrigation Secretary Joel Tanui, and NIA CEO Eng. Charles Muasya, the CS inspected key developments that signal promising outcomes. Among the milestones is the Galana Bridge, now 50 percent complete, which will significantly enhance accessibility and logistical support within the farm once finalized.
Additionally, critical irrigation infrastructure has been completed, including a 550,000-cubic-metre reservoir and a two-kilometre lined canal, which are already enabling the irrigation of seed maize. These facilities are central to ensuring year-round crop production in the region, said Eng. Muasya.
The project, managed by the National Irrigation Authority under a public-private partnership model, is poised to become a national food production hub serving both local and regional markets. Private sector involvement has also shown encouraging signs, with Selu Limited planting 1,060 acres of seed maize. The company plans to expand this to 1,500 acres in the next three weeks, targeting 3,200 acres by year-end.
The first crop, planted in May, is set to mature by early October, setting the stage for continuous cropping cycles aimed at ensuring consistent production.
With robust infrastructure and strong government backing, Galana Kulalu is steadily transforming from a vision to a vibrant reality one that promises to secure Kenya’s food future.
