Kwale: Kwale County Government is partnering with the National Irrigation Authority (NIA) to enhance water and food security in the coastal county. In Kwale, more than 4,000 smallholder farmers have been connected to solar-powered drip irrigation schemes, contributing to food security in arid and semi-arid parts of the county.
According to Kenya News Agency, the coastal county’s main sources of water are boreholes, underground springs, aquifers, dams, water pans, and rock catchments. Kwale Governor Fatuma Achani held strategic talks with NIA Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Eng. Charles Muasya on modalities of collaboration that seek to improve agricultural productivity. The meeting marked a renewed pledge to enhance cooperation between the two institutions, setting the stage for expanded irrigation projects that will drive economic growth and social transformation in Kwale County.
During the meeting, the county boss was accompanied by County Executive Committee Members Hemed Mwabudzo (Water and Irrigation) and Michale Mutua (Trade and Tourism) and County Secretary Sylvia Chidodo. The partnership comes as the county government intensifies efforts to enhance food security through expanded irrigation projects and sustainable water management at a time climate change continues to threaten the local agricultural sector.
Governor Achani said the collaboration is necessary, particularly in the face of climate change and erratic rainfall patterns. Achani has revealed that over 25 mega water supply projects have been completed alongside components of small-scale irrigation schemes providing a reliable water supply to smallholder farmers. The dams under the Irrigation Water Harvesting Programme serve as reservoirs to store water for agricultural use and water for livestock, including Nyalani, Mwena, Silaloni, Mwaluvuno, Kizingo, and Mwakalanga.
She said the partnership focuses on developing irrigation schemes, providing access to water for farming and livestock, and promoting sustainable agricultural practices. The Governor and the NIA CEO underscored the importance of continued collaboration between the National and County governments in addressing climate change, expanding irrigation coverage, and improving the well-being of rural communities.
‘I commend Eng. Muasya and his team for their outstanding work. Their efforts are not just delivering water; they are transforming communities by strengthening food security, supporting agriculture, and building resilience.’ Achani stated. Achani noted that the partnership with NIA marks the beginning of a transformative journey towards improved food production and household incomes for marginalized communities.
The governor noted that the collaboration is part of the devolved government’s broader strategy to revolutionize agriculture through irrigation farming and improve food production. She said discussions with top NIA leadership focused on deepening the ongoing partnership between the irrigation authority and the devolved government, particularly around water infrastructure projects that are transforming lives in local communities.
‘We have already constructed eight water pans, including the recently launched Chongomundu pan in Kinango Ward, bringing much-needed water access for domestic use and agriculture in our arid regions,’ she said, noting that irrigation holds the key to food security. She added, ‘the projects are not just about water; they are about dignity, resilience, and sustainable livelihoods for our people, and I am grateful for the support from NIA, and I look forward to scaling up these efforts across the county.’
Achani revealed that her administration is expanding rural irrigation schemes and water projects to boost food and nutrition security amid climate challenges. She said smallholder farmers in Kwale are slowly adapting to climate-smart agricultural practices to improve productivity, enhance resilience to climate variability, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and store carbon.
Eng. Muasya reaffirmed the NIA’s commitment to expanding its footprint in Kwale and furthering joint initiatives aimed at sustainable development. ‘Kwale County leadership has been key to the success of our projects in Kwale. We are eager to scale up our partnership to reach even more communities and ensure long-term water security,’ said Muasya.
The NIA CEO pledged to boost the 47 county government’s food security efforts by forming stronger partnerships and adopting modern irrigation and agricultural technologies. Muasya said NIA and county governments will work to accelerate investments in irrigation, sanitation, and climate resilience projects to enhance food production.
‘We are committed to continuing the collaboration to expand the area under irrigation and support food production in Kwale,’ he said, adding that irrigation boosts food security for smallholder farmers. Eng. Muasya said NIA and Kwale will form joint technical teams to fast-track implementation of ongoing irrigation projects in the county.
He said the teams will also work together to identify other future irrigation projects to be implemented in the county. ‘The Authority is committed to implementing its mandate of irrigation development across the country for food security and the social and economic empowerment of Kenyans,’ he said.
The main role of the National Irrigation Authority is to develop, manage, and regulate irrigation in order to support sustainable food security and socio-economic development. This includes providing water for sustainable farming through the development, rehabilitation, and modernization of irrigation systems.