Irrigation projects stall over budget slash
CS for water has called the committee to reinstate Sh2.8 billion that was removed from the 2025/26 budget for irrigation projects.
Cabinet Secretary for Water, Sanitation and Irrigation, Eric Mugaa, has called on the Blue Economy, Water and Irrigation Committee to reinstate Sh2.8 billion that was removed from the 2025/26 budget for irrigation projects.
He warned that the cuts would delay or halt critical projects across the country, threatening food security, job creation, and climate resilience efforts.
Mugaa appeared before the parliamentary committee alongside the Principal Secretary for Irrigation, CPA Ephantus Kimotho, during a session chaired by Marakwet East MP Kangogo Bowen.
The team expressed concern that the reduction in both recurrent and development budgets would negatively impact operations and progress on major national projects.
According to submissions made during the session, the development budget for the State Department for Irrigation has been reduced by Sh837 million, dropping from Sh16.944 billion to Sh16.107 billion.
Recurrent expenditure has also been slashed by Sh91 million, from Sh1.418 billion to Sh1.327 billion.
Compared to the 2024/25 financial year, this marks a total reduction of Sh2.8 billion.
PS Kimotho told the committee that the budget cuts would disrupt at least 18 projects, reduce the area under irrigation by 9,130 acres, and risk over 19,530 direct job opportunities.
"Community irrigation projects, which have suffered the largest budget cut, are key drivers to County Aggregation and Industrial Parks," he said.
Among the affected projects is the Bura Irrigation Scheme, which has received a Sh250 million cut.
The Community Irrigation Projects programme faces a Sh436 million reduction, while the Mwea Irrigation Development Project has lost Sh200 million.
The National Expanded Irrigation Programme has seen its funding slashed by Sh850 million, and land reclamation projects aimed at building climate resilience have lost Sh250 million.
The ministry also highlighted the importance of the Galana Kulalu Food Security Project, where private sector production is set to begin on 5,400 acres starting on 19th May 2025.
In addition to irrigation cuts, Principal Secretary for Blue Economy and Fisheries, Betsy Njagi, raised concern over a Sh1.401 billion reduction to her department’s proposed budget, which has been lowered from Sh9.631 billion to Sh8.230 billion.
Responding to questions on progress, Njagi cited the construction of 15 new landing sites under the current administration, describing it as an unprecedented achievement.
Bowen assured both departments that the committee would raise the matter with the National Treasury to push for the restoration of essential funding.
He reaffirmed the committee’s commitment to supporting vital sectors that impact citizens' lives and national growth.
