Kenyan farmers stand to benefit from a major World Bank financing package aimed at expanding access to irrigation, boosting crop production and strengthening food security.
Agriculture Principal Secretary Ephantus Kimotho announced on Wednesday that Kenya is in the final stages of securing Ksh32.5 billion in funding from the lender, alongside a grant of approximately Ksh260 million to support the programme’s implementation. The funds will be channelled through the Kenya Resilient Irrigation for a Sustainable Economy (K-RISE) programme.
Kimotho made the announcement following a consultative meeting in Nairobi with a World Bank Group delegation led by Saroj Kumar Jha, Director of Global Water Practice.
“I held a consultative meeting with a World Bank Group delegation. The discussions focused on finalizing the proposed $250 million IDA financing and $2 million grant,” Kimotho said.
He said the Ksh32.5 billion would be disbursed through the K-RISE programme, while the grant would be provided under the Global Water Security and Sanitation Partnership. The discussions also focused on concluding the outstanding negotiations ahead of the financing agreement.
The programme will give farmers a greater role in developing irrigation schemes, improving the reliability of water supplies and increasing agricultural yields. Innovative financing mechanisms and technology will also be deployed to expand access to irrigation.
“K-RISE represents a paradigm shift in Kenya’s irrigation development, moving beyond fragmented, infrastructure-focused interventions towards a coordinated, programmatic approach that prioritizes institutional reforms,” Kimotho said.
The World Bank praised Kenya’s National Irrigation Sector Investment Plan, describing it as a model and an important reference document for irrigation development across Africa. The delegation expressed confidence that Kenya’s emphasis on farmer-driven irrigation, strategic public investments and private sector engagement could serve as a model for other countries.
Officials also discussed establishing a National Irrigation Informatics Centre to strengthen evidence-based planning, investment decisions, water management and monitoring.
The financing package is expected to expand the area under irrigation across Kenya. Once finalized, it is expected to increase agricultural productivity, improve farmers’ incomes and strengthen food and water security.
– John Murunga
