Kenya seeks BADEA funding for Galana-Kulalu irrigation project

Kenya is seeking financing from the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA) to expand its irrigation capabilities and support major agricultural initiatives. A primary focus of these discussions is the Galana-Kulalu Food Security Project, which the Kenyan government aims to transform into a large-scale, commercially operated agricultural zone to boost food production.

Led by Principal Secretary for Irrigation Ephantus Kimotho, the Kenyan delegation met with BADEA Chairman Dr. Fahad Aldossari to discuss mobilizing funds for dams and irrigation infrastructure. The goal is to unlock approximately one million acres of irrigated land, reducing the nation's reliance on rain-fed agriculture which is vulnerable to climate fluctuations.

The Galana-Kulalu project, located in Kilifi and Tana River counties, has faced long-term challenges including inadequate water infrastructure and high costs. To address this, Kenya is pursuing a public-private model, seeking to combine government-provided infrastructure with private investment for commercial production.