Experts have underscored the need to change strategy to achieve Zero Hunger, with the government calling for innovation and investment to secure food production amid climate challenges.
Speaking in Nairobi on Tuesday during the launch of the Hunger Index Report, Irrigation Secretary in charge of Land Reclamation, Climate Resilience and Irrigation Water Management Joel Tanui urged the country to move beyond conventional approaches.
Tanui was speaking on behalf of Water, Sanitation and Irrigation CS Eric Mugaa.
He said food systems are under immense pressure from climate change, economic disruptions, and geopolitical challenges, and require transformative solutions.
Tanui emphasised that Kenya’s food security outlook is closely tied to climate variability, which continues to affect agricultural productivity nationwide. He outlined the National Irrigation Sector Investment Plan (NISIP), describing it as a shift from “business as usual” to a more inclusive and investment-driven approach.
The plan is anchored on five pathways. First, the government will map and revitalise all public irrigation schemes to enhance efficiency and productivity.
Second, it will strengthen smallholder irrigation by supporting more than 2,500 schemes across the country, empowering communities to work collectively and boost food production.
Third, the plan targets the development of Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASALs), which make up about 80 per cent of Kenya’s landmass.
Tanui noted that overreliance on the remaining 20 per cent of arable land has placed immense pressure on those areas, making it necessary to unlock the potential of ASAL regions.
He highlighted the development of 3,000 acres in Mandera under the Daua Irrigation Cluster as a milestone in this effort.
The fourth pathway focuses on improving farmers’ access to irrigation equipment.
Recognising that many farmers cannot afford modern tools, the government is establishing a de-risking fund to support them, enabling increased productivity and earnings.
On corporate agribusiness, Tanui said the government is promoting the utilisation of idle land by opening it up to private investors for agricultural development.
This initiative seeks to ensure that all available land is fully used for production, thereby strengthening national food security.
He also reiterated the Presidential directive on the construction of 50 mega dams, which is expected to bring more than 2.5 million acres under irrigation.
He described this as a major milestone in advancing Kenya’s journey towards sustainable food security.
Irrigation CS called on stakeholders and development partners to support these initiatives and work collectively towards achieving Zero Hunger.
