The National Irrigation Authority (NIA) Strategic Plan has officially been unveiled as the government sets its eyes on enhancement of Kenya's irrigation sector towards realizing food security.

The plan, unveiled on Monday by Irrigation Principal Secretary Ephantus Kimotho in Nairobi at outlines a comprehensive plan to connect water to every irrigable acre and bolster the country’s food security, sustainable water management, and socio-economic development.

According to Kimotho stated, the Launch of the National Irrigation Authority Strategic Plan marks a significant milestone and emphasized the initiative’s importance to achieving food security.

He says the plan aligns with the broader agenda of the current administration, focusing on key priority areas of inclusive growth, people-centred development, and revenue base expansion.

This multi-pronged approach aims to achieve specific targets under the Fourth Medium Term Plan (MTP IV) with an ambitious water harvesting and storage plan being at the core of the strategy.

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The government intends to impound water resources for irrigation across 1.28 million acres.

This initiative will involve the development of new irrigation schemes, the rehabilitation of existing ones, and the expansion of the total area under irrigation.

Kimotho emphasized that the expansion of irrigated land aims to significantly increase agricultural production."

The plan also prioritizes infrastructure development. Construction and upgrades to canals, dams, and water storage facilities are crucial for ensuring efficient water utilization and management.

This infrastructure development plan underscores the Ministry's commitment to building a resilient irrigation sector that will serve as the backbone of Kenya's agricultural productivity and economic growth.

By connecting water to more land and investing in infrastructure, the NIA Strategic Plan presents a promising vision for a food-secure and prosperous Kenya.

The Ministry of Irrigation has reaffirmed its dedication to this shared vision, aiming to fulfil its mandate and unlock the full potential of the irrigation sector.