Government moves to unlock financing for 200,000-acre Galana/Athi Dam

The government has stepped up efforts to unlock financing and clear remaining hurdles for the Galana/Athi Dam Project. The major irrigation scheme is expected to support agricultural production across about 200,000 acres.

The push was discussed on Tuesday as Irrigation Principal Secretary Ephantus Kimotho chaired a meeting to review the project’s readiness. Financing, technical preparations, land arrangements and other requirements took centre stage.

The government is seeking to bring together multiple sources of funding under a blended financing model. The approach would combine concessional financing, development grants, the National Infrastructure Fund and commercial financing.

Officials also explored possible co-financing arrangements involving development and financial partners. The aim is to close the funding gap and move the project from preparation to actual construction.

“Key implementation requirements were also reviewed, including project cash-flow needs, mobilization of equipment and the securing of offtake agreements,” the Ministry of Water, Sanitation and Irrigation said.

The team agreed to intensify engagement with financing partners. It also committed to address outstanding requirements needed to facilitate the timely commencement of works.

The Galana/Athi Dam is being positioned as a major component of Kenya’s efforts to expand irrigation. The project aims to reduce dependence on rain-fed agriculture, particularly as the country faces increasingly unpredictable weather patterns.

Once completed, the project is expected to support irrigation development across approximately 200,000 acres. Officials say it will significantly increase agricultural production and create opportunities for farmers.

The government expects the scheme to contribute to food security. It is also seen as opening new economic opportunities in agriculture and supporting a broader climate-resilient agricultural transformation agenda.

Officials emphasised the need for close coordination between government agencies, financiers, development partners and other stakeholders. The goal is to resolve outstanding issues and accelerate implementation.

The Ministry said the meeting reaffirmed the importance of close coordination, flexibility and solution-oriented collaboration among all stakeholders. These elements are viewed as essential to move the project into implementation.

The Galana/Athi scheme forms part of ongoing efforts to expand large-scale irrigation capacity. Preparatory work continues while financing arrangements are finalised.

Cash-flow planning, equipment mobilisation and offtake agreements remain priority items. Addressing these requirements is expected to support a smoother transition to construction.

Blended financing is intended to draw on both public and private sources. The model seeks to reduce the direct burden on the national budget while securing the capital needed for a project of this scale.

Coordination across agencies and partners was highlighted as critical. Officials indicated that outstanding land and technical issues are also under active review.

The project is expected to open new production areas once operational. Its contribution to food security and climate resilience remains central to the government’s stated objectives.