Ruto hails signing of Sh40 billion Galana-Kulalu dam construction deal

President William Ruto has welcomed the signing of a Sh40 billion contract for the construction of the Galana-Kulalu Dam, describing the project as a major milestone in Kenya’s efforts to strengthen food security and reduce dependence on rain-fed agriculture.

In a statement following the signing, President Ruto said the dam will enable large-scale irrigation at the Galana-Kulalu food security project, covering up to 300,000 acres across Tana River and Kilifi counties.

He said the project marks a decisive shift toward reliable irrigation as a foundation for sustainable agricultural production.

“The signing of the KSh40 billion contract for the construction of Galana Kulalu Dam will strengthen our food security by irrigating up to 300,000 acres at Galana Kulalu in Tana River and Kilifi counties. This is a bold step in our transition from rain-fed farming to reliable, large-scale irrigation,” Ruto said.

The agreement was signed in Nairobi between the National Irrigation Authority (NIA) and China Communications Construction Company Kenya Ltd.

It covers the engineering, construction and financing of the dam, as well as the development of an irrigation water conveyance system to support agricultural production in the region.

According to the project details, the dam will have a storage capacity of 305 million cubic metres of water and is expected to deliver an annual supply of one billion cubic metres.

In addition to irrigation, the project will provide safe drinking water to an estimated 70,000 households in the surrounding communities.

“The project will also supply safe drinking water to 70,000 households, improving health and dignity for local communities,” the President said.

Ruto said the investment is expected to have far-reaching economic benefits by boosting agricultural productivity and stabilising food supply.

He noted that improved irrigation will help lower food prices, reduce reliance on imports, increase exports and support the growth of agro-processing and value addition industries.

“By strengthening agricultural productivity and food security, we will stabilise food prices, reduce imports, grow exports and expand agro-processing and value addition. This will create thousands of jobs for our young people and drive inclusive economic growth,” he said.

The dam is being implemented as a joint investment between the Governments of Kenya and the United Arab Emirates, alongside China Communications Construction Company Kenya Ltd.

The government’s contribution will be financed through the National Infrastructure Fund.

Ruto said returns on the investment will be realised through a Water Purchase Agreement framework, which is already anchored in Kenya’s legal infrastructure, ensuring sustainability and accountability for public funds.

The contract was formally signed by National Irrigation Authority Chief Executive Officer Charles Muasya and China Communications Construction Company Kenya Ltd Deputy General Manager Du Shan.

The Galana-Kulalu Dam project is a key component of the government’s long-term strategy to transform agriculture, enhance climate resilience and secure reliable water resources for both farming and domestic use, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions.