National Irrigation Authority

12/11/2025

The National Irrigation Authority (NIA) successfully participated in the Performance Contract (PC) evaluation and defense exercise for the Financial Year 2024/2025. This exercise serves as a key accountability mechanism for assessing the performance of public institutions against set targets and national development priorities.

During the session, the Authority presented its achievements and progress in implementing irrigation programs and projects across the country. The Authority' projects continue to play a vital role in enhancing agricultural productivity, promoting food and nutrition security, and supporting sustainable livelihoods. These initiatives are central to the Kenya Vision 2030 agenda, the Government’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA) and the Authority's Strategic Plan 2023 - 2027.

Following the evaluation, the National Irrigation Authority received a “Very Good” rating, recognizing its strong performance and commitment to delivering on its mandate. This rating reflects the Authority’s steady progress in improving irrigation infrastructure, expanding irrigated agriculture and contributing to Kenya’s broader socio-economic development goals.

While acknowledging this commendable performance, the Authority noted that there remains room for further improvement and is committed to building on the lessons learned to achieve even higher standards of service delivery and operational excellence in future evaluations.

The Board of Directors and management extends their appreciation to all staff and stakeholders for their dedication and teamwork, which have been instrumental in attaining this milestone.

04/11/2025

Today, the Cabinet Secretary for Water, Sanitstion and Irrigation visited Elgeyo Marakwet County to inspect the damage caused to irrigation infrastructure and farmlands following the recent heavy rains, flooding and landslides.

He was accompanied by Elgeyo Marakwet County Governor Hon. Wisley Ritich, Senator Hon. William Kisang, Area MP Hon. Kangogo Bowen , other local leaders and the National Irrigation CEO Eng. Charles Muasya, MBS. They assessed the extent of damage at the Mulwaper Irrigation Project and surrounding areas, engaged with affected farmers and community members. They expressed deep concern over the losses suffered and extended a message of empathy and apologies to the local community for the challenges resulting from the destruction of irrigation structures and disrupted water supply.

The CS assured residents that the government, through the National Irrigation Authority, is taking immediate steps to restore the damaged systems and ensure continuity of agricultural activities. He further reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to safeguarding livelihoods through sustainable irrigation development and climate-resilient infrastructure.

The Mulwaper Irrigation Project remains a vital initiative in Elgeyo Marakwet County, targeting the irrigation of 300 acres, benefiting over 1,000 households and supporting the production of cereals, pulses, and horticultural crops.

27/10/2025

National Irrigation Authority Explores Collaboration with National Youth Service (NYS)

The National Irrigation Authority (NIA) today hosted a consultative meeting with the National Youth Service, led by its council chairman Lt. Gen (Rtd) Adan Mulata, to discuss potential areas of collaboration. The meeting, attended by NIA Chairman Eng. Gilbert Maluki and CEO Eng. Charles Muasya and other senior members of management focused on utilizing irrigation infrastructure for food production and supporting operation and maintenance of irrigation projects.

Potential Projects and Next Steps

Some of the key projects discussed included the Rahole Canal Irrigation Project in Garissa County and the Bura and Tana Irrigation Schemes in Tana River County among others. A technical team from both institutions was formed to draft a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and collaboration framework within three weeks. A review meeting is scheduled for mid-November to finalize the partnership.

NIA's Commitment

The Authority remains committed to engaging stakeholders to ensure optimal utilization of irrigation infrastructure for food production and economic growth. This partnership aims to leverage the strengths of both institutions to achieve mutual benefits and contribute to the country's development goals.

26/10/2025

National Irrigation Authority Participates in Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon

The National Irrigation Authority (NIA) team, led by CEO Eng. Charles Muasya, MBS, participated in the Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon, supporting the Futuremakers initiative. This global program focuses on reducing inequality and promoting economic inclusion for youth, with all proceeds from the marathon contributing to the cause.

Team Building and Environmental Stewardship

A team of 60 NIA staff members took part in the 10km race, reinforcing the Authority's commitment to team building and a healthy lifestyle. As part of the event, staff members received tree seedlings to plant, symbolizing NIA's dedication to the Presidential directive of growing 15 billion trees by 2032. This initiative aims to increase Kenya's forest cover and combat climate change.

NIA's Commitment

The Authority remains committed to promoting environmental sustainability and supporting initiatives that benefit the community. By participating in the marathon and embracing tree planting, NIA demonstrates its dedication to creating a healthier and more sustainable future for all.

25/10/2025

Delivering the Plan: Reviving the Galana Kulalu Food Security Project

25/10/2025

Delivering the Plan: Rehabilitation of Bura and Hola Irrigation Schemes

20/10/2025

17/10/2025

16/10/2025

15/10/2025

Today, the National Irrigation Authority's management led by the Chief Executive Officer Eng. Charles Muasya held a consultative meeting with RichWater Group Inc. from Canada led by the CEO, Mr. Phil Keele.

The discussions centered on potential areas of collaboration especialy in Dams, Green house farming and large scale food production. The NIA CEO and his team briefed the meeting about the Authority's mandate and the potential areas of collaboration under the Public Private Partnership Model. A list of potential Dams was presented for consideration and the available land for investment, especially in the ASAL counties was also presented.

The team agreed to review the projects and then submit formal proposal for consideration. The Authority continues to engage stakeholders and private sector to increase area under irrigation and support food production as espoused in the Bottom Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA).

14/10/2025

Click on the link below to watch more on Galana Kulalu Food Security Project.

Delivering The Plan, boosting Kenya's food production. Galana Kulalu Food Security Project

11/10/2025

Today, the National Irrigation Authority (NIA) hosted the Cabinet Secretary for the Ministry of Water, Sanitation and Irrigation, Eng. Eric Mugaa, for the official launch of the first seed maize harvest under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model at the Galana Kulalu Food Security Project.

The CS was accompanied by the Principal Secretary for the State Department for Irrigation, CPA Ephantus Kimotho, CBS, the Chair of the National Assembly Committee for Irrigation, Hon. Kangogo Bowen, and other senior government officials.

They were received by the NIA Chairman, Eng. Gilbert Maluki, CEO Eng. Charles Muasya and other officials from the Authority.

The launch marks a critical milestone in the implementation of the PPP model. The inaugural seed maize crop, planted by Selu Ltd.,the lead private investor, has delivered an impressive yield of approximately 30 90-kg bags per acre.

Out of the 1,500 acres initially cropped using 10 centre pivots, under this partnership, 330 acres are currently ready for harvest and are expected to be fully harvested within the next five days.

This collaborative effort is strategically positioned to establish a sustainable and high-quality national seed supply. Projections indicate that once fully cropped, the project will produce hundreds of thousands of bags annually — a significant boost to national food security.

This breakthrough harvest is not just a successful yield; it is a compelling proof point of the National Irrigation Authority’s ability to drive agricultural transformation through innovative collaboration. By leveraging the PPP framework, the Authority has successfully piloted a model that significantly de-risks seed production while accelerating Kenya’s journey towards agricultural self-sufficiency.

The Galana Kulalu project is on track to become a food hub for Kenya, supporting the government's Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BeTA). We are committed to its success.