By Kepher Otieno - Reporter
Kenya, 1 January 2026 - The signing of a KSh 40 billion contract for the Galana Kulalu Dam has been framed by the government as a turning point in Kenya’s quest for food security, signalling a decisive shift from rain-fed agriculture to large-scale, reliable irrigation.President William Ruto welcomed the agreement, describing it as “a bold step in our transition from rain-fed farming to reliable, large-scale irrigation.” He said the project would “strengthen our food security by irrigating up to 300,000 acres at Galana Kulalu in Tana River and Kilifi counties,” an area long viewed as central to Kenya’s agricultural ambitions.The contract, signed in Nairobi between the National Irrigation Authority (NIA) and China Communications Construction Company Kenya Ltd, covers the engineering, construction and financing of the dam and its irrigation water conveyance system.
The project is expected to be one of the largest irrigation investments in the country once completed.According to project details, the dam will have a storage capacity of 305 million cubic metres of water and is expected to deliver up to one billion cubic metres annually.
Beyond boosting crop production, it is also designed to supply safe drinking water to about 70,000 households, a development the President said would “improve health and dignity for local communities.”Government officials argue that the wider economic impact could be significant. Targeted to increase agricultural output, the project is expected to stabilise food prices, reduce imports and expand exports.
“By strengthening agricultural productivity and food security, we will stabilise food prices, reduce imports, grow exports and expand agro-processing and value addition,” President Ruto said, adding that this would “create thousands of jobs for our young people and drive inclusive economic growth.”The financing model reflects the project’s strategic importance. The dam is a joint investment between the governments of Kenya and the United Arab Emirates, alongside China Communications Construction Company Kenya Ltd.
Kenya’s contribution will be financed through the National Infrastructure Fund, with returns expected under the Water Purchase Agreement Framework already established in law.At the signing ceremony, NIA Chief Executive Officer Charles Muasya said the agreement marked a critical milestone for the irrigation sector.
“This project will unlock the full potential of Galana Kulalu and demonstrate what well-planned irrigation can achieve for food security and rural development,” he said.On the contractor’s side, China Communications Construction Company Kenya Ltd Deputy General Manager Du Shan said the firm was committed to delivering the project to the required standards.
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He noted that the company would bring its experience in large-scale water and infrastructure projects to ensure timely and efficient implementation.Despite the optimism, the Galana Kulalu project also carries historical baggage. Earlier efforts to develop the scheme faced criticism over costs, delays and unclear outcomes, making this phase a test of both technical execution and governance. Analysts say success will depend on effective water management, transparent oversight and ensuring that both smallholder and commercial farmers can benefit from the irrigation network.For the government, the dam is more than an infrastructure project.
It is a statement of intent.
By anchoring food security in irrigation and long-term water storage, the administration is betting that large-scale public investment, backed by international partners, can deliver resilience against climate shocks and rising food demand.
Whether Galana Kulalu fulfils that promise will shape the credibility of Kenya’s broader agricultural transformation agenda.
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