The government has announced plans to expand irrigation nationwide as part of efforts to boost food security and support livelihoods amid an ongoing drought.

In a statement posted on his official X account on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, Water, Sanitation, and Irrigation Cabinet Secretary Eric Mugaa said the move was discussed during a high-level consultative meeting with top sector officials at Maji House, Nairobi.

“Today, I chaired a high-level consultative meeting bringing together the Principal Secretary, State Department for Water and Sanitation, Mr Julius Korir, the Principal Secretary, State Department for Irrigation, CPA Ephantus Kimotho, CEOs from all Water and Irrigation agencies, alongside senior leadership from the Ministry in Maji house, Nairobi,” Mugaa said.

Scaling up irrigation

The CS emphasised that expanding irrigation remains a key pillar of economic resilience, noting that flagship and community-based schemes are being scaled up to increase acreage under irrigation, boost agricultural productivity, and support livelihoods.

“Through these irrigation initiatives, we are working to enhance food security, support livelihoods, and drive inclusive growth across the country,” Mugaa stated.

Water access and efficiency

Mugaa also stressed that equitable access to clean and safe water remains a top priority, pledging that the government is committed to strengthening sanitation services, improving sector efficiency, and enhancing governance through coordinated efforts with county governments.

“We reaffirmed our resolve to accelerate project implementation and deepen collaboration across national and county governments to deliver sustainable water solutions that transform lives,” he said.

The ministry noted that these measures are part of a broader push to lay a strong foundation for water security, food security, and national prosperity, particularly in the face of the current drought.

“Together, we are ensuring that Kenya’s water and food systems are more resilient, productive, and sustainable,” Mugaa concluded.

Drought mitigation efforts

The remarks come as the government has released more than Ksh6 billion in emergency funding to respond to the worsening drought, which has left at least 2.1 million Kenyans food insecure, mostly in arid and semi-arid regions (ASALs).

In a statement posted on X on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki disclosed that the government will allocate an additional Ksh4 billion every month to sustain drought mitigation interventions.

“With at least 2.1 million people being food insecure across the Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASALs), the Government in partnership with humanitarian and development partners, has between August and December last year reached out to at least 1.4 million citizens between August and December last year through food, cash transfers, water, medical supplies and special interventions for children at risk of malnutrition,” he wrote.

Beyond immediate relief, the Deputy President noted that the government is focusing on long-term solutions to reduce vulnerability and build resilience in drought-prone areas.

“Through continued collaboration and coordinated action between the government and development partners, elaborate policies and strategies to sustainably combat climate change, strengthen resilience, reduce vulnerability of communities and promote sustainable development in climate-sensitive and drought-prone areas are being implemented to ensure coherent, well-targeted and complementary response to immediate humanitarian needs while reinforcing long-term resilience and climate adaptation outcomes,” he added.