PS Hosts UN Agencies on NISIP Collaboration

The Principal Secretary, State Department for Irrigation, CPA Ephantus Kimotho, CBS, today hosted a high-level delegation from UN agencies including WFP, IFAD, UN, UNDP, and FAO to discuss collaboration under the National Irrigation Sector Investment Plan (NISIP). The plan outlines five pathways—community schemes, farmer-led irrigation, corporate agribusiness, revitalization of arid and semi-arid lands, and high-performing public schemes—targeting over 1.2 million acres for irrigation development.

PS Kimotho highlighted NISIP as a comprehensive framework to transform irrigation, foster climate resilience, and attract private sector participation. He underscored ongoing initiatives such as farmer-led irrigation targeting seven million farmers, micro-irrigation in schools to enhance nutrition and environmental stewardship, and exploration of climate financing instruments like green bonds. Development partners were urged to align resources with these pathways to accelerate implementation and strengthen food security.

In their remarks, the UN agencies affirmed that NISIP strongly aligns with their integrated programs on food security, resilience, and climate adaptation. They welcomed the opportunity for collaboration, noting that over eleven partners are ready to mobilize resources to invest in water for domestic and agricultural use while supporting Kenya’s broader climate and food security agenda.