Sign in Subscribe
Food supply

Galana Kulalu Food Security Project Expands by 50% Amid Infrastructure Development

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The Galana Kulalu Food Security project is witnessing a significant expansion, with an additional 1,500 acres allocated for irrigation, increasing the total area under seed maize production to 2,560 acres within the next three weeks. By the end of the year, the project aims to cultivate a total of 3,200 acres. The project, launched in 2013, has overcome setbacks like budget cuts and irregularities, demonstrating notable progress, especially in seed maize cultivation.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Galana Kulalu Food Security project is expanding by 50% with 1,500 additional acres allocated for irrigation, up from the current 1,060 acres.
  • The project aims to cultivate a total of 3,200 acres by the end of the year, with the first crop expected to mature by early October.
  • The project, launched in 2013, has overcome setbacks like budget cuts and irregularities, demonstrating notable progress in seed maize cultivation.
  • The National Irrigation Authority (NIA) oversees the project, which seeks to establish a diverse agro-industrial hub integrating various agricultural industries.
  • The project has been restructured under a Public-Private Partnership model, with a revised plan including cultivation on 10,000 acres and expansion to an additional 10,000 acres in the medium term.
  • Unlocking the full agricultural potential of the area depends on critical infrastructure, such as the construction of the Sabaki Bridge, which will provide access to more than 200,000 acres of farmland.

Statistics:

  • 1,500 additional acres allocated for irrigation, increasing the total area under seed maize production to 2,560 acres.
  • 3,200 acres expected to be cultivated by the end of the year.
  • 1,060 acres of seed maize currently under production, with the first crop expected to mature by early October.
  • 50% of the Sabaki Bridge construction completed, with the contractor precasting beams to support the deck.
  • 500 cubic meters of water capacity in the small dam built by NIA to support irrigation.
  • More than 7 pivots in operation, with 2 more to be added, bringing the total to 1,500 acres under irrigation.
  • 20,000 cubic meter intake well, 2-kilometer lined canal, 550,000 cubic meter reservoir, and 20,000 cubic meter offtake sump under development to support seed maize irrigation.

Sources:

  • Water, Sanitation and Irrigation Cabinet Secretary Eric Mugaa, (date of publication not specified).
  • National Irrigation Authority (NIA) CEO Charles Muasya, (date of publication not specified).
  • The Star (Kenya), (date of publication not specified).

Read more