Sh2.9bn Galana-Kulalu electricity project to cut maize production costs by 42%

A Sh2.9 billion electrification project at the Galana-Kulalu food security scheme is set to reduce the cost of producing a kilo of maize by about 42 percent.

The project includes building a 54-kilometre power line and a substation, aiming to improve efficiency for investors and boost agricultural productivity.

During a tour of the project on Friday, President William Ruto instructed the Rural Electrification and Renewable Energy Corporation (REREC) CEO, Dr. Rose Mkalama, to ensure the electrification work is completed by June 2026.

He said this will help new investors work more effectively and support the scheme’s full potential.

The government said the project is designed to optimize water management to enhance food production.

President Ruto explained, “The government is working with the private sector under a public-private partnership to operationalise the project and scale up food production. Besides producing food for Kenyans, the scheme will also produce animal feed to boost livestock farming in the county.”

Currently, diesel-powered machines at the scheme cost about Sh24 to pump enough water to produce a kilo of maize. The new power substation, which REREC is constructing, is expected to lower this cost to Sh14 per kilo.

President Ruto also revealed that Kenya and the United Arab Emirates have signed a memorandum of understanding that will see companies invest in food and animal feed production.

He added that the electrification will support sustainable food security and agro-processing facilities within the irrigation scheme.

The Galana-Kulalu project is ready for full operation following the completion of a Sh519.4 million infrastructure package.

This includes a 753-metre inlet canal, a 450 million-litre reservoir, a 1,210-metre outlet canal, and a 20 million-litre off-take sump, all of which are undergoing final testing.

A total of 250,000 acres will be irrigated under the project.

The land allocation includes 20,000 acres to Selu Limited, 50,000 acres to Nyumbani Foundation, and 180,000 acres to Al Dahra of the UAE.

To ensure sufficient water supply, President Ruto said a dam will be built on River Galana.

He also inspected the construction of a critical 200-metre bridge and access roads costing Sh1.5 billion, which will help transport produce from the farms to markets efficiently.