The Kenyan government has identified 10 irrigation schemes for a pilot programme aimed at increasing agricultural production and market access for farmers. The initiative, led by Principal Secretary for Irrigation CPA Ephantus Kimotho, seeks to transform selected irrigation schemes into commercially viable agricultural production hubs. The schemes cover approximately 14,819 acres and bring together about 52,115 farmers. The programme will focus on financing, farmer aggregation, technology, value addition, and direct links to processors and other buyers.
A multi-agency meeting chaired by Kimotho assessed the challenges limiting the full utilisation of irrigation schemes in Kenya. The discussions focused on practical measures to increase agricultural production while creating stronger market opportunities for farmers and accelerating the development of high-value agricultural value chains. The meeting identified several challenges affecting farmers, including post-harvest losses, weak market linkages, inadequate financing, and fragmented production.
Limited access to extension services and the slow adoption of modern agricultural technologies were also identified as constraints to increased productivity. Stakeholders emphasised the need to strengthen farmer aggregation and cooperatives while improving access to quality farm inputs, technical support, and appropriate technologies. They also called for stronger direct links between farmers and processors, exporters, and other off-takers to help create reliable markets for agricultural produce.
The stakeholders highlighted the importance of increased access to production finance, particularly in helping farmers scale up production and participate more effectively in commercial agriculture. The government will work with county governments, government agencies, development partners, financial institutions, private-sector players, and farmer organisations to implement the initiative. The collaboration will cover the entire agricultural value chain, from production and farmer aggregation to storage, processing, financing, and market access.
The pilot portfolio will support production across a range of crops, including rice, maize, horticultural produce, vegetables, pulses, potatoes, onions, and avocado, among other high-value crops. The initiative is intended to move irrigation schemes beyond water provision by connecting reliable irrigation with the other components required for profitable farming. Under the approach, organised farmers will be linked to financing, modern technologies, value-addition opportunities, and assured markets.
The government expects the interventions to increase agricultural productivity, improve farmers' incomes, and create employment opportunities while contributing to food security. The move is also in line with the wider National Irrigation Sector Investment Plan, which seeks to expand irrigation, improve productivity in existing schemes, and attract greater private-sector participation in agriculture. Kenya has also been pursuing models that combine government support, farmer participation, and bank financing to strengthen the commercial sustainability of irrigation schemes.
The State Department for Irrigation is optimistic that the programme will have a positive impact on the lives of the 52,115 farmers and their communities. The department will monitor the progress of the pilot programme and make adjustments as necessary to ensure its success. The programme is expected to serve as a model for future irrigation schemes in Kenya and other parts of Africa.
Key points
- The Kenyan government has identified 10 irrigation schemes to benefit 52,115 farmers.
- The programme will focus on financing, farmer aggregation, technology, value addition, and direct links to processors and other buyers.
- The initiative aims to increase agricultural productivity, improve farmers' incomes, and create employment opportunities while contributing to food security.
