Kenya and Germany Strengthen Partnership in Irrigation and Drought Resilience Programs
Kenya’s Principal Secretary for Irrigation, CPA Ephantus Kimotho, CBS, participated in the biennial Kenya-Germany government-to-government dialogue on financial and technical cooperation today, marking significant progress in bilateral partnerships aimed at advancing agricultural sustainability and drought resilience.
The key focus of the discussions was the ongoing collaboration on the **Smallholder Irrigation Project**, a flagship initiative that is now 80% complete. The project, funded through a blend of concessional and commercial financing, aims to expand irrigation coverage for smallholder farmers, boosting agricultural productivity and enhancing food security across Kenya. The partnership has been instrumental in facilitating sustainable agricultural practices, particularly in the face of climate change.
Germany’s support, which is aligned with several **Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)**—including **SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation),** and **SDG 13 (Climate Action)**—has been crucial in advancing these programs. These initiatives have not only helped improve water access but also contributed to building resilience against drought in vulnerable communities, particularly in northern Kenya.
In addition to the Smallholder Irrigation Project, the collaboration has reinforced the **Drought Resilience Program** in Northern Kenya, addressing the impacts of recurrent droughts and enabling communities to better withstand climate variability.
Looking ahead, the **State Department for Irrigation** plans to extend this successful cooperation by expanding smallholder irrigation programs in **Western Kenya** and establishing an **Irrigation De-Risking Fund**. This will allow for greater investment in irrigation infrastructure and increase the agricultural productivity of smallholder farmers in the region, improving livelihoods and enhancing food security.
“The partnership with Germany has been a game-changer for Kenya’s agricultural sector,” said PS Kimotho during the meeting. “With continued support, we will scale up our irrigation programs and tackle challenges such as climate change and water scarcity, ensuring that smallholder farmers can thrive and contribute to Kenya’s food security.”
The Kenya-Germany dialogue was attended by key stakeholders, including Dr. Paul Rono, Kenya’s counterpart in Agriculture, **Eng. Vincent Kabuti**, the Irrigation Secretary, and **Daniel Odero**, Director of Irrigation Water Management, among others. The presence of senior government officials highlighted the commitment to ensuring that the benefits of these projects reach the communities that need them most.
Through this ongoing collaboration, both countries aim to overcome past challenges, streamline financing mechanisms, and continue driving progress toward the SDGs, fostering greater resilience and sustainability in Kenya’s agricultural sector.
This partnership stands as an example of how international cooperation can transform the agricultural landscape, driving sustainable development and addressing climate-related challenges in vulnerable communities.
Post Author
