Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu to commission project in July

From left: Water and Irrigation Cabinet Secretary Eugene Wamalwa and President Uhuru Kenyatta at one of the dairy farms in Kibbutz Qalya, Israel yesterday.  [Photo: JOHN MUCHUCHA/standard]

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will launch the Galana Kulalu irrigation project in July.

Water and Irrigation Cabinet Secretary Eugene Wamalwa yesterday said the Israeli firm contracted to set up the 10,000-acre project had agreed to fast-track its completion so that Mr Netanyahu could commission it.

Speaking in Israel where he has accompanied President Uhuru Kenyatta on a State visit, Mr Wamalwa said the project would cut the country's reliance on rain-fed agriculture and boost its food basket significantly.

"We have signed the necessary agreement to provide financing through an Israeli bank which provides enough finances to complete the project ahead of schedule," he said.

The project whose initial funding was Sh14 billion before being cut down to Sh7.2 billion had been dogged with controversies with the National Assembly Committee on Livestock and Agriculture querying its viability.

However, the committee has since reversed its stand and now supports the project. The committee members said their reservation against the project was occasioned by inadequate information.

They said the Israel firm, Green Arava, contracted to do the work had demonstrated its capacity in delivering the project.

Committee vice-chairman Kareke Mbiuki expressed their satisfaction with the firm's capacity following their visit to its establishment in Israel.