Kenya will wait for three years to be able to attain food security, Head of Public Service Felix Koskei has said.
Speaking during a visit to the Galana-Kulalu Irrigation Scheme in Tana River County yesterday, Koskei expressed his optimism regarding the progress of the mega initiative started in 2014 with the aim of enhancing food production in the country.
Saying the project is still in the pilot stage almost a decade since inception, Koskei emphasized the need for patience as the project gains momentum. The project covers approximately 1 million acres of land.
Koskei revealed that there are currently 500 acres of maize under cultivation, with plans to expand to 100,000 acres in the near future and further increase to 200,000 acres as the initiative progresses.
“We are committed to making significant advancements and ensuring sufficient food production, not only for our domestic needs but also for surplus production.” Koskei told residents.
“Within a short span of two to three years, the country will achieve food security, and we may even begin exporting to other nations.”
Koskei’s assurance comes even as the Global Report on Food Crisis 2023 indicates an alarming increase in acute food insecurity in the country.
According to the Report, approximately 5.4 million Kenyans are already grappling with a food crisis, the highest number recorded in the history of the region.
The report identifies Kenya and Somalia as the countries experiencing the most significant increases in acute food insecurity since 2021.
He was accompanied by Principal Secretary for Irrigation Ephantus Kimotho, National Irrigation Agency (NIA) CEO Charles Muasya, Coast Regional Commissioner Rodah Onyancha, and other officials.
President William Ruto has insisted that he will continue to subsidise food production to create jobs and lower the cost of living.
The president said his interventions in the agriculture sector to enhance food security is the surest way to address food scarcity and skyrocketing cost of living.
