IRRIGATION SECTOR IN KENYA- STATUS AND CHALLENGES “PAPER PRESENTED DURING THE “GREEN WATER CREDITS WORKSHOP” KARI HQ NAIROBI, OCTOBER 2006” E. D. MBATIA FOR: DIRECTOR IRRIGATION

Introduction Irrigation development is very low (105,800 ha) compared to potential (539,000ha)-19% developed. Irrigation development is very low (105,800 ha) compared to potential (539,000ha)-19% developed. ERS identifies the immerse potential of irrigation to contribute to attainment of the country goals. ERS identifies the immerse potential of irrigation to contribute to attainment of the country goals. Focus of MWI to implement the ERS: Focus of MWI to implement the ERS: –Rehabilitation and augmentation irrigation and drainage schemes –Irrigation policy formulation. –Water harvesting and storage for irrigation

Introduction Cont. Broad Government initiatives for enhanced irrigation development Restructuring Government and re-engineering of ministerial functions Restructuring Government and re-engineering of ministerial functions Increased budgetary allocations for infrastructure development Increased budgetary allocations for infrastructure development Creating enabling environment for participation by key stakeholders Creating enabling environment for participation by key stakeholders Involvement of the private sector and other stakeholders in the irrigation developments Involvement of the private sector and other stakeholders in the irrigation developments

Irrigation potential and development by basins Basin Potential (ha.) Developed (ha.) Tana205,00068,700 Athi40,00011,100 Lake Basin 200,00010,700 Kerio Valley 64,0005,400 Ewaso N’giro 30,00010,000 Total539,000105,800

Categories of Irrigation Systems in Kenya Private Schemes - Developed, owned and managed Private Schemes - Developed, owned and managed by individual farmers or Companies (41% of developed potential). Public Schemes - Developed and centrally managed by government agencies (15% of developed potential). Public Schemes - Developed and centrally managed by government agencies (15% of developed potential). Smallholder (community based) irrigation schemes - owned, operated and managed by the farmers through their irrigation water users’ associations (IWUAs).(44% of the developed potential). Smallholder (community based) irrigation schemes - owned, operated and managed by the farmers through their irrigation water users’ associations (IWUAs).(44% of the developed potential).

Comparative irrigation development status (1985 – 2005) Category Developed (ha) Smallholder Schemes 17,50034,65047,000 National Schemes 11,50012,00016,000 Private Irrigation 23,00040,00042,800 Total52,00087,350105,800

Challenges and Constraints in Irrigation Development Wrong Perception-Sector’s potential and importance. Wrong Perception-Sector’s potential and importance. Lack of a National Irrigation Policy, Legal and Institutional Frameworks Lack of a National Irrigation Policy, Legal and Institutional Frameworks Inadequate Public and Private sector Investment in the sector Inadequate Public and Private sector Investment in the sector Inadequate development of irrigation infrastructure and water storage facilities Inadequate development of irrigation infrastructure and water storage facilities Inadequate technical capacity for both the technical staff and Farmers Inadequate technical capacity for both the technical staff and Farmers Inadequate Farmers Organization and Participation Inadequate Farmers Organization and Participation Inadequate support services like Credit infrastructure, Extension etc. Inadequate support services like Credit infrastructure, Extension etc.

Strategies to improve irrigation development and management Increased investments in irrigation infrastructure development. Increased investments in irrigation infrastructure development. Development and promotion of affordable and appropriate irrigation technologies. Development and promotion of affordable and appropriate irrigation technologies. Institutionalization of public – private partnerships in irrigation development. Institutionalization of public – private partnerships in irrigation development. Enhancing community participation in irrigation development and management Enhancing community participation in irrigation development and management Capacity development for both staff and farmers Capacity development for both staff and farmers Promotion of water harvesting and storage especially at scheme levels. Promotion of water harvesting and storage especially at scheme levels. Integrated development approaches to provision of critical irrigation services Integrated development approaches to provision of critical irrigation services

Strategies to improve irrigation water management Involvement of communities in water resource management, distribution and equitable sharing within the developed schemes. Involvement of communities in water resource management, distribution and equitable sharing within the developed schemes. Upgrading of irrigation systems from the old traditional types (earthen conveyance canals to lined canals and piped networks). Upgrading of irrigation systems from the old traditional types (earthen conveyance canals to lined canals and piped networks). Encouraging where possible the change of infield distribution networks from the furrows and basins to sprinklers and simple drips. Encouraging where possible the change of infield distribution networks from the furrows and basins to sprinklers and simple drips. Encouraging communities to harvest rain water to supplement scheme water requirements within the individual schemes. Encouraging communities to harvest rain water to supplement scheme water requirements within the individual schemes.

On-going irrigation policy reforms Finalization of the national irrigation policy and legal framework addressing all types of irrigation schemes. Finalization of the national irrigation policy and legal framework addressing all types of irrigation schemes. Promotion/implementation of irrigation management transfers in NIB schemes Promotion/implementation of irrigation management transfers in NIB schemes Promotion of participatory approaches in irrigation development and management Promotion of participatory approaches in irrigation development and management

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