Kwale County Bets on Irrigation to Secure Food Future

Key Highlights

• Kwale County investing heavily in irrigation farming to boost food security and economic growth.
• Nyalani Dam project, funded by Sh231 million from M-Pesa Foundation and Sh25 million from the county, irrigates 105 acres of farmland.
• Over 400 farmers benefit, growing crops like maize, tomatoes, watermelons, and kales using climate-smart practices.
• Since 2013, the county has built 50 dams, 60 boreholes, and 500 km of water pipelines.
• Farmers supported with certified seeds, fertilizers, irrigation equipment, livestock, and mechanized farming services.
• Governor Achani vows to expand irrigation infrastructure and promote modern farming for economic transformation.

Kwale County has intensified its investment in irrigation farming as part of efforts to strengthen food security and spur economic growth.

Governor Fatuma Achani said her administration is determined to maximize the county’s arable land, particularly in arid and semi-arid areas, by expanding irrigation and equipping farmers with modern agricultural inputs.

Speaking during a tour of the Nyalani Dam Irrigation Project in Vigurungani village, Kinango Sub-County, Achani noted that the revamped dam, constructed in 1952 and recently rehabilitated with Sh231 million from M-Pesa Foundation and Sh25 million from the county government, is transforming once-barren land into a thriving food basket.

Currently, the project supplies water to 105 acres of farmland, supporting more than 400 farmers cultivating maize, tomatoes, watermelons, onions, spinach, kales, and other crops using techniques such as drip irrigation and integrated pest management.

“With irrigation schemes, arid areas can transform from struggling with food insecurity into reliable food barns,” Achani said, reaffirming her government’s commitment to strengthening agricultural production.

Since the start of devolution in 2013, Kwale has constructed 50 large and medium dams, drilled 60 boreholes, and laid 500 kilometers of water pipelines, significantly expanding access to water for farming.

The county has also introduced a wide range of support programs, including the distribution of certified seeds, subsidized fertilizers, coconut seedlings, dairy cows, goats, veterinary services, and quality feeds.

Mechanized farming is being supported through subsidized tractor services and expanded access to agricultural extension officers.

Governor Achani, who was accompanied by County Executive for Agriculture Roman Shera, urged residents to adopt modern farming practices, saying agriculture remains a central pillar of Kwale’s economic transformation strategy.

Her tour included inspection of ongoing irrigation works and interactions with farmers, underscoring the county’s hands-on approach to supporting agricultural development.