Kenya and the World Bank are discussing financing for farmer-led irrigation development.
Irrigation PS Ephantus Kimotho says proposed financing will expand farmers’ access to water and strengthen their role in managing irrigation schemes.
Kenya is finalising a proposed Ksh32.5 billion World Bank irrigation financing package to improve farmers’ water access and agricultural production. Irrigation Principal Secretary Ephantus Kimotho said the package also includes a $2 million implementation grant.
Kimotho announced the plans after meeting a World Bank delegation in Nairobi. Saroj Kumar Jha, the bank’s Director of Global Water Practice, led the delegation.
World Bank irrigation financing targets farmer-led schemes
The proposed $250 million financing from the International Development Association would support the Kenya Resilient Irrigation for a Sustainable Economy programme, known as K-RISE. Meanwhile, the Global Water Security and Sanitation Partnership would provide the $2 million grant.
Kimotho said negotiations remain underway, with discussions focusing on steps needed to finalise financing before implementation begins. The programme aims to give farmers a greater role in developing and managing irrigation projects.
Through that approach, farmers would gain more reliable water supplies to grow crops and increase production. The programme also plans to introduce new financing methods and technology to improve irrigation services and project management.
Kimotho described K-RISE as a move away from separate projects centred mainly on infrastructure. Instead, it would pursue coordinated irrigation development while prioritising reforms to sector institutions.
Kenya’s irrigation strategy draws support
During the meeting, the World Bank praised Kenya’s National Irrigation Sector Investment Plan as a model for irrigation development. The lender also viewed the plan as a useful reference for countries across Africa and beyond.
It expressed confidence that Kenya’s strategy could guide other countries seeking to expand irrigation. That strategy combines farmer-led initiatives with targeted public investment and greater private-sector participation.
Alongside the financing talks, government officials and the delegation discussed establishing a National Irrigation Informatics Centre. The proposed centre would strengthen planning and help officials prioritise investments. It would also support water management and monitoring of irrigation performance.
