Irrigation project to be probed

[Photo: Courtesy]

The Senate Committee on Agriculture has summoned irrigation officials and an Israeli company behind the Galana Kulalu project.

This after the Ochilo Ayacko-led team established that infighting between the National Irrigation Board and Green Arava Limited had led to the collapse of the multi-billion-shilling food security programme.

Mr Ayacko issued the orders after meeting with Kilifi Governor Amason Kingi on the issue of cashewnut production, and the stalling of the mega-irrigation project.

“Galana Kulalu is on the radar. It’s not doing well and there is little or no involvement of counties,” said Ayacko.

The Government has sunk Sh7.2 billion in the irrigation project that was mooted as a solution to the country’s perennial food deficit. It was initially expected to produce 20 million bags of maize each year from 1.2 million acres situated in Kilifi and Tana River counties.

Mr Kingi said the counties had never been involved in the project, adding that the country would not reap any benefits if the way in which the flagship project was managed did not change.

"Counties have been kept in the dark. Agriculture is a devolved function and it is important for stakeholders to be involved."

The governor lauded the idea of the project, noting that it was in line with the national government's Big Four agenda. Managed well, he added, it could feed all Kenyans and the east African region.