Israeli envoy defends project ahead of Netanyahu visit

Israeli Ambassador Yahel Vilan during an interview on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s visit. [PHOTO: DAVID GICHURU/Standard]

The Israeli Government has defended the controversial Galana-Kulalu irrigation project, saying it is highly viable but needs time.

Israeli Ambassador Yahel Vilan yesterday asked the National Assembly Committee on Livestock and Agriculture to support the project that was aimed at boosting the country’s food security.

Speaking to The Standard ahead of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s visit, the envoy said it would be premature to start estimating the outcome of the 10,000-acre irrigation project.

“People should have patience with the project because there is no magic about it. It will take time,” said Vilan at the Israeli Embassy in Nairobi.

“The Galana project is like a demo and the main idea behind it is that in a year or two it will inform farmers on the best farming methods and seed variety to use for better produce.”

The project whose initial funding was Sh14 billion before being slashed to Sh7.2 billion had been dogged with controversy, with the agriculture committee initially querying its viability.