The electrification of the Galana-Kulalu Food Security Project in Kilifi and Tana River counties marks a significant milestone in Kenya’s efforts to achieve sustainable food production. Presided over by President William Ruto today, the milestone is a critical step toward modernizing agricultural infrastructure in the region and advancing the country’s vision of becoming food secure.
The newly electrified facilities will replace costly diesel-powered systems with a more efficient and reliable electricity supply, reducing the cost of food production while promoting environmentally friendly farming practices. This development aligns with the government’s commitment to shift toward long-term solutions that address Kenya’s food challenges through investment in modern infrastructure and technology.
At the heart of the project is a Sh519.4 million water management system, now undergoing final testing. The infrastructure includes a 753-metre inlet canal that channels water from the Galana River into a massive 450 million-litre reservoir. This reservoir is designed to supply irrigation water through a 1,210-metre outlet canal, with a 20 million-litre off-take point that ensures consistent delivery to the farmlands.
This integrated water and power infrastructure forms the backbone of the Galana-Kulalu initiative. With electricity now in place, the project can operate irrigation systems more efficiently, increase mechanized farming operations, and support value-added agro-processing activities
In addition to the electrification, the government has also completed the construction of a key bridge and access road within the Galana-Kulalu zone. This infrastructure is essential for ensuring the smooth and timely transportation of farm produce to local and regional markets, minimizing post-harvest losses and improving market access for farmers operating within the project area.
The Galana-Kulalu project, structured through a public-private partnership, is designed to transform over one million acres of arid land into productive agricultural fields. The first phase, including a 10,000-acre model farm, has provided important insights into the viability and scalability of the larger project. Electrification now opens the door for broader expansion and year-round cultivation.
As Kenya faces increasing pressure from climate change, population growth, and shifting global food supply dynamics, strategic projects like Galana-Kulalu are becoming increasingly vital. By addressing infrastructure gaps and integrating energy and water solutions, the project positions Kenya to reduce its reliance on food imports, stabilize domestic food prices, and strengthen rural economies.
The electrification of Galana-Kulalu represents more than just the installation of power lines—it symbolizes a bold, forward-looking approach to agriculture. With reliable power and water now in place, Kenya takes a major step toward unlocking the full potential of its land and ensuring a more food-secure future.
