Rice production set for boost as Bunyala Irrigation Project hits 62% completion

Kenya's efforts to boost food production and strengthen food security are set to receive a major boost as the expansion of the Bunyala Irrigation Scheme under the Lower Nzoia Irrigation Project reaches 62 per cent completion.

Principal Secretary for Internal Security and National Administration Raymond Omollo said the government continues to invest heavily in production agriculture as a key pillar of the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda.

He said the ongoing expansion is aimed at unlocking more land for irrigation, increasing agricultural productivity and improving livelihoods for thousands of farmers in Busia and Siaya counties.

According to Omollo, the Bunyala Irrigation Scheme, which was established in 1969, has grown significantly from an initial 540-acre pilot project to more than 3,200 acres currently under production.

The scheme now supports more than 14,000 farmers, with rice remaining the flagship crop.

Omollo said the project currently produces an average of 10,000 metric tonnes of rice annually, with farmers cultivating popular varieties including Kwamboka, Super, Rice Gold and IR rice.

He noted that the ongoing expansion forms part of a broader government strategy to increase the country's irrigated acreage and reduce dependence on imported rice by strengthening domestic production capacity.

"The Government continues to invest heavily in production agriculture as a key pillar of the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda, strengthening food security, creating jobs and boosting rural incomes," Omollo said.

The PS said the project has also undergone major infrastructure improvements aimed at enhancing efficiency and reducing operational costs.

He noted that the irrigation scheme has transitioned from a pump-fed system to a gravity-fed irrigation model that draws water directly from River Nzoia.

According to Omollo, the new system has improved the reliability of water supply while significantly lowering the costs associated with irrigation operations.

He said the improved infrastructure is expected to support increased production as more land is brought under irrigation.

Omollo further noted that investments have also been made in post-harvest handling to minimise losses and improve market access for farmers.

He said farmer-managed drying and storage facilities have strengthened the value chain by improving grain quality and linking producers to markets within Kenya and across the East African region.

The PS said the State Department for Internal Security and National Administration continues to play a key role in supporting implementation of the project through coordination of national government functions at the grassroots level.

He said the department facilitates community engagement, supports stakeholder consultations and helps maintain a stable and secure environment necessary for project operations and agricultural production.

According to Omollo, the expansion of the Bunyala Irrigation Scheme is expected to contribute significantly to the government's broader agenda of increasing agricultural productivity, improving food security and enhancing incomes for farming communities.