Kenya Signs Strategic MoU with IWMI to Boost Irrigation Efficiency and Food Security. Nairobi, Kenya — The Kenyan government has embarked on a transformative initiative to enhance its irrigation systems and bolster national food security by signing a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the International Water Management Institute (IWMI).
The agreement, which was formalized in Nairobi, marks the beginning of a long — term collaboration aimed at modernizing the country’s irrigation sector.
Irrigation Principal Secretary CPA Ephantus Kimotho, CBS, and IWMI’s East Africa Representative, Abdulkharim Seid, were present at the signing ceremony, signifying the commitment to the partnership. PS Kimotho emphasized the significance of this collaboration during the ceremony, stating that it aligns with the ongoing reforms under the National Irrigation Sector Investment Plan (NISIP).
He highlighted the MoU’s potential to unlock the full potential of irrigation infrastructure by harnessing IWMI’s global expertise and research capabilities.
The partnership is multifaceted, including comprehensive baseline surveys and mapping of current irrigation schemes, land suitability assessments for new and rehabilitated projects, and the establishment of Kenya’s first sustainable irrigation water tariff framework. It also promotes climate-smart technologies, solar-powered irrigation systems, and nature-based solutions tailored to Kenya’s unique conditions.
Furthermore, the MoU supports the reuse of stormwater and treated wastewater, as well as enhancing integrated water data and information systems for future planning.
Festus Kani, Director of Quality Assurance at the State Department of Irrigation, highlighted the importance of the standardized irrigation water tariff, noting that it will help guide sustainable cost recovery and responsible water use in irrigation. Abdulkharim Seid expressed IWMI’s dedication to providing research-driven insights, effective tools, and valuable lessons from the Global South to support Kenya in implementing NISIP and scaling innovations that make irrigation more resilient, equitable, and climate-smart.
Kenya’s commitment to modernizing its irrigation sector is expected to have significant implications for food security and sustainable agriculture practices.
The MoU with IWMI represents a strategic step towards achieving these goals. Further details are expected as the partnership progresses.
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Source: Kenya signs new partnership with IWMI to boost irrigation.
— Citizen.
*Additional reporting by ImNews*
