Kenya Signs KSh40 Billion Galana Kulalu Dam Contract to Boost Food Security

The government has signed a KSh40 billion contract for the construction of the Galana Kulalu Dam, a flagship project expected to significantly strengthen Kenya’s food security by enabling large-scale irrigation in Tana River and Kilifi counties.

The agreement, signed in Nairobi, is between the National Irrigation Authority (NIA) and China Communications Construction Company Kenya Ltd, and covers the engineering, construction, and financing of the dam as well as its irrigation water conveyance system.

Once completed, the Galana Kulalu Dam will irrigate up to 300,000 acres of land, marking a major shift from reliance on rain-fed agriculture to dependable, large-scale irrigation. The dam will have a storage capacity of 305 million cubic metres of water and is expected to deliver up to one billion cubic metres annually.

In addition to supporting agriculture, the project will provide safe drinking water to approximately 70,000 households in surrounding communities, improving public health, sanitation, and overall quality of life.

The government says the project will enhance agricultural productivity, stabilize food prices, reduce food imports, grow exports, and spur agro-processing and value addition. These outcomes are expected to create thousands of jobs for young people and drive inclusive economic growth.

The Galana Kulalu Dam is a joint investment project involving the Governments of Kenya and the United Arab Emirates, alongside China Communications Construction Company Kenya Ltd. Kenya’s contribution will be financed through the National Infrastructure Fund, with returns on investment supported by the existing Water Purchase Agreement Framework within the country’s legal infrastructure.

The contract was signed by National Irrigation Authority Chief Executive Officer Charles Muasya and China Communications Construction Company Kenya Ltd Deputy General Manager Du Shan.

Officials described the project as a bold and transformative step toward long-term food security and sustainable economic development in the country.