Kilifi Deputy Governor Flora Chibule Champions Water, Irrigation and Food Security in Ganze

Kilifi Deputy Governor Flora Mbetsa Chibule has reaffirmed the county government’s commitment to strengthening food security, agricultural productivity and household livelihoods through strategic investments in water harvesting and irrigation.

Representing Governor Gideon Maitha Mung’aro, Deputy Governor Chibule welcomed Cabinet Secretary for Agriculture and Livestock Development Sen. Mutahi Kagwe, EGH, alongside County Executive Committee Members from all 47 counties, NAVCDP National and County Project Coordinating Teams and other stakeholders to Kilifi for the groundbreaking ceremony and rehabilitation of the Ndigiria Water Pan and Irrigation Project in Sokoke Ward, Ganze Sub-County.

The World Bank-supported project covers 50 acres and is expected to indirectly benefit an estimated 200,000 people through crop farming, beekeeping and livestock rearing.

The project marks an important step in addressing the longstanding challenge of water availability for agriculture in Kilifi, where many farmers have traditionally depended heavily on rainfall. By investing in water harvesting and irrigation infrastructure, the initiative is expected to support year-round agricultural production while reducing the vulnerability of farmers to unpredictable weather patterns.

Deputy Governor Chibule emphasised the broader significance of the project, noting that reliable water supplies can transform agricultural livelihoods by enabling farmers to plan production more effectively, increase productivity and diversify their sources of income.

Beyond crop production, the rehabilitation of the Ndigiria Water Pan is expected to support livestock rearing and beekeeping, creating opportunities for communities to participate in multiple agricultural value chains.

The initiative is therefore not only about water infrastructure but also about strengthening the economic resilience of households in Ganze and the wider Kilifi region.

Through the National Agricultural Value Chain Development Project (NAVCDP), community institutions in Kilifi have also received more than KSh30 million in grants to strengthen community-based financial services, farmer participation and rural-led investments.

These interventions complement the water and irrigation project by helping communities access resources and opportunities that can support agricultural enterprises and improve household incomes.

The collaboration between the National and County Governments, development partners and local communities is central to the success of these initiatives.

Deputy Governor Chibule said the milestone reflects the strong partnership between the two levels of government in unlocking Kilifi’s agricultural potential and delivering sustainable and inclusive development.

The rehabilitation of Ndigiria Water Pan also comes at a time when Kenya is placing greater emphasis on climate-smart agriculture, food security and reducing dependence on rain-fed farming.

For Kilifi, where agricultural potential remains significant, expanding access to irrigation can provide farmers with the confidence to invest in improved production, adopt new technologies and explore higher-value crops.

The expected benefits extend beyond individual farmers. Increased agricultural production can stimulate local trade, create employment, strengthen food supply chains and contribute to improved household incomes.

The involvement of communities through NAVCDP further demonstrates the importance of ensuring that development projects are locally owned and responsive to the needs of residents.

Deputy Governor Chibule’s participation in the groundbreaking ceremony underscores Kilifi County’s commitment to working with national government and development partners to address practical challenges facing farmers and rural communities.

With the rehabilitation of the Ndigiria Water Pan and Irrigation Project, Sokoke Ward and the wider Ganze area are set to gain an important asset for agricultural development.

The project represents an investment not only in water infrastructure but also in food security, livelihoods and the future of Kilifi’s rural economy.

As the county continues to pursue its agricultural and blue economy agenda, initiatives that expand irrigation, strengthen farmer participation and support community-led investments will remain critical to unlocking the county’s full economic potential.

For Deputy Governor Flora Mbetsa Chibule, the project is a clear demonstration that strong partnerships and targeted investments can turn Kilifi’s agricultural potential into sustainable opportunities for its people.