President William Ruto has reaffirmed the central role of irrigation in advancing Kenya’s food security agenda, saying the Government is deliberately investing in water infrastructure to unlock the economic potential of Northern Kenya.
Speaking during the 63rd Madaraka Day celebrations held in Wajir County, Ruto said water remains the key resource for transforming arid and semi-arid regions through irrigation, food production, industry and resilience.
This is the first time the national event has been hosted in the county.
In his address, the President said the government has prioritised long-term water development projects aimed at expanding irrigation and strengthening food production across the country.
He outlined an ongoing programme targeting the construction of 50 mega dams, 200 medium and small dams, and thousands of micro-dam projects, which are expected to bring an additional 2.5 million acres under irrigation within the next five to seven years.
“We are investing deliberately in Northern Kenya. To unlock that potential, the fundamental resource is water. Water means irrigation, water means food production, industry, resilience and opportunity,” said the President.
He further highlighted a series of priority water and irrigation projects across different regions, including developments in Northern Kenya such as the Ewaso Nyiro Basin in Isiolo, the High Grand Falls Dam in Tana River, the proposed mega dam on River Daua in Mandera, and the Bute Dam in Wajir North, which has been under consideration for many years.
Other projects mentioned include the Siliki Canal in Garissa, Lowaat in Turkana, Narosura in Narok, and Arror in Elgeyo Marakwet, among others.
President Ruto said the projects reflect the Government’s commitment to equitable development across all parts of the country, noting that no region should be left behind in national development efforts.
“Each of these dams is a statement that no county is too remote to deserve development and no river is too far to be harnessed for the good of Kenya," Ruto said.
"What was once called remote will become strategic, and what was once neglected will become indispensable to our food security, our prosperity, and the future we are building together."
The State Department for Irrigation, under the leadership of Principal Secretary Ephantus Kimotho, said it remains committed to supporting the Government’s agenda of expanding irrigation infrastructure and improving livelihoods through enhanced food security and economic development.
The event was attended by the Principal Secretary for Irrigation, Ephantus Kimotho, and the Secretary for Administration, Yatich Kipkemei, alongside other dignitaries and residents.
