• Kenya signed an MoU with the International Water Management Institute (IWMI) to expand and modernize irrigation systems.

• The 10-year National Irrigation Sector Investment Plan (NISIP) aims to mobilize KES 598 billion ($4.6 billion) and add 400,000 hectares of irrigated land.

• Only 284,773 hectares—less than 5% of arable land—were irrigated in 2023, despite a national potential of 1.3 million hectares.

Kenya, like most Sub-Saharan African countries, relies primarily on rain-fed agriculture. The irregularity of rainfall and the frequency of droughts continue to limit sector productivity, prompting the government to accelerate irrigation development.

The Ministry of Water, Sanitation and Irrigation signed a memorandum of understanding on Thursday, December 11, with the International Water Management Institute (IWMI). The agreement opens the way for a new partnership with the global scientific research organization in the field of irrigation.

In a statement published on its website, the ministry says the cooperation will focus on baseline studies and mapping of existing irrigation systems, land assessments for new or rehabilitated projects and the development of a sustainable water-tariff framework.

The ministry also plans to promote climate-smart technologies, solar- and nature-based irrigation, rainwater and wastewater reuse and the strengthening of integrated water-data systems.

“The two parties committed to immediately mobilize joint resources to implement research, innovation and field-intervention projects, marking the beginning of a long-term collaboration for sustainable irrigation development in Kenya,” the statement says.

Authorities expect the cooperation framework to leverage IWMI’s global expertise to support irrigation development at national scale. The partnership will also accelerate reforms under the National Irrigation Sector Investment Plan (NISIP), launched in March 2025.

NISIP sets a 10-year roadmap to mobilize KES 598 billion ($4.6 billion) in public and private investment. The plan aims to increase irrigated land by nearly 400,000 hectares over the period.

According to ministry data, 284,773 hectares of farmland were equipped for irrigation in 2023. This figure represents less than 5% of Kenya’s arable land and about 21% of the country’s total irrigation potential, which exceeds 1.3 million hectares.

This article was initially published in French by Stéphanas Assocle

Adapted in English by Ange Jason Quenum