The government of Kenya has provided 180,000 acres of the Galana Kulalu Block land to Al Dahra, an Abu Dhabi-based agricultural company, for large-scale agricultural development under the Galana Kulalu Food Security Project.
The government, aiming to boost agricultural production in the country, revealed that a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Al Dahra, the National Irrigation Authority (NIA), and the Agricultural Development Corporation (ADC) was signed on Friday, August 8.
The plan is part of a catalysed Ksh12.5 billion private sector investment earmarked for the construction of storage facilities, expansion of irrigation infrastructure, and development of internal farm roads to enhance the seamless movement of goods and inputs within the project area and beyond.
Following the MoU signing, Al Dahra is expected to undertake feasibility studies for the development of 180,000 acres into diversified agricultural enterprises, including fodder and meat value chains.
“A highlight of the visit was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Al Dahra, the National Irrigation Authority (NIA), and the Agricultural Development Corporation (ADC) to undertake feasibility studies for the development of 180,000 acres,” a statement by the National Treasury confirmed.
Founded in 1995, Al Dahra is an Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates agri-business that operates over 400,000 acres of land globally. Some of the countries in which they operate include the UAE, Egypt, Romania, Serbia, the USA, Namibia, and Morocco, among others.
They specialise in a wide range of food production, including rice, maize, fruits, and vegetables. They also focus on animal feed.
According to the National Treasury, the initiative will be anchored by a proposed 306 million m³ dam, designed to provide gravity-fed irrigation to 200,000 acres through an estimated 60 kilometres of canals.
The details of the MoU were revealed by Treasury PS Chris Kiptoo, who visited the Galana Kulalu Food Security Project accompanied by Kefa Seda, Director-General of the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Directorate, and hosted by PS for Irrigation CPA Ephantus Kimotho.
Speaking during the visit, Kiptoo said that the broader Galana Kulalu block boasts 1.5 million acres of land suitable for irrigation.
According to Kiptoo, if well harnessed, the resource could raise farm incomes, strengthen foreign exchange earnings, and generate thousands of jobs for young people in line with BETA’s inclusive economic growth agenda.
However, the PS maintained that this vision would not be possible without the help of the PPP model, explaining the necessity of involving Al Dahra in the project.
Kiptoo stressed that the PPP model allows the government to leverage private capital while still delivering critical infrastructure to boost agricultural productivity.
The Treasury says that the partnership with Al Dahra is expected to introduce modern farming technologies, diversify agricultural value chains, and strengthen Kenya’s position as a leading regional food producer.
