The World Bank has proposed $250 million in financing for Kenya\u2019s irrigation projects to expand farmers\u2019 access to water, improve agricultural productivity and strengthen food production.<\/p>\n
In a report published on Thursday, November 12, Agriculture Principal Secretary Ephantus Kimotho disclosed the proposed financing following a consultative meeting with a World Bank delegation led by its Director of Global Water Practice, Saroj Kumar Jha, in Nairobi on November 11.<\/p>\n
The proposed financing will support the Kenya Resilient Irrigation for a Sustainable Economy (K-RISE) programme, alongside an additional grant to strengthen implementation and improve water management.<\/p>\n
Kenya is expected to receive Ksh32.5 billion under the proposed $250 million financing, alongside a $2 million grant to support irrigation projects.<\/p>\n
Kimotho said discussions with the World Bank delegation focused on finalising the financing and grant arrangements, as well as completing the necessary steps before the programme moves into implementation.<\/p>\n
The proposed funding is expected to improve farmers\u2019 access to reliable water supplies for agricultural activities, helping them increase crop production and contribute to Kenya\u2019s food security objectives.<\/p>\n
The funding will be channelled through K-RISE, while the additional grant will be provided under the Global Water Security and Sanitation Partnership (GWSP).<\/p>\n
The K-RISE programme will give farmers a bigger role in developing and managing irrigation schemes while introducing new financing methods and technology to improve irrigation services and water management.<\/p>\n
According to Kimotho, the initiative represents a shift from fragmented, infrastructure-focused interventions towards a coordinated approach that prioritises institutional reforms and better management of irrigation projects.<\/p>\n
The World Bank also commended Kenya\u2019s National Irrigation Sector Investment Plan, describing it as a model and an important reference point for irrigation development across Africa and beyond.<\/p>\n
The lender expressed confidence that Kenya\u2019s approach could guide other countries seeking to expand irrigation through farmer-led initiatives, strategic public investment and increased private-sector participation.<\/p>\n
The government and the World Bank also discussed plans to establish a National Irrigation Informatics Centre to strengthen irrigation planning, investment prioritisation, water management and performance monitoring.<\/p>\n
Nigeria has also partnered with the World Bank to strengthen irrigation infrastructure and improve agricultural productivity.<\/p>\n