UAE investor inks Sh104b deal to expand Galana Kulalu project

One of the centre pivot irrigation machine being istalled on the second plantation farm in a ten thousand hectares model Farm of Galana Kulalu Food Security Project which was officially launched by President Uhuru Kenyatta at the Galana Kulalu Irrigation Scheme, July 16, 2015. [GIDEON MAUNDU/STANDARD].

The Galana Kulalu Food Security Project is set to benefit from a Sh104 billion ($800 million) investment, following the entry of a new private entity from the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

The private firm, Al Dahra Group has entered into an agreement with the National Irrigation Authority (NIA) that will see acres under irrigation extend beyond 200,000.

Al Dahra Group is interested in 180,000 acres. Selu Ltd, another private party has eyes on 20,000. Currently, NIA has 10,000 acres under irrigation with plans to add another 10,000 in the medium term.