Kenya is advancing efforts to transform its irrigation systems amid climate variability, water scarcity, and labour challenges.
Irrigation Secretary in charge of Land Reclamation and Climate Resilience at the Ministry of Water Joel Tanui, joined global experts at a high-level Congress in Chiang Mai, Thailand, led by the Japanese Institute of Irrigation and Drainage and the Royal Irrigation Institute of Thailand.
The Congress underscored the urgent need to accelerate the adoption of smart agriculture technologies across irrigation schemes to enhance water productivity, improve efficiency, and build resilience against climate shocks.
During his address, Tanui highlighted the strategic role of Public–Private Partnerships (PPPs) in fast tracking irrigation expansion, scaling up large scale food production, and strengthening water storage infrastructure in Kenya.
He cited successful models such as the Galana Irrigation Scheme and the Bura Irrigation Scheme as practical demonstrations of how partnerships can unlock investment, drive innovation, and enhance national food security.
Kenya’s participation signals a firm commitment to transforming irrigation systems into climate-smart, technology driven engines of sustainable agricultural growth.
