The Irrigation sector formulated the Irrigation Policy 2017 and enacted the Irrigation Act 2019 to govern the sector. The policy and Act have spelt out the different institutional and management changes in the irrigation sector with an aim of making it vibrant and responsive in realization of food and nutrition security and socio-economic development in Kenya. The goal is to transform the irrigation sector through accelerated development, modernization and commercialization of sustainable irrigation systems and water storage, for attainment of food security, employment creation and socio-economic growth.
The scope of the program covers counties and generally focuses on creating awareness on proposed irrigation sector reforms, establishing new institutions including CIDUs, the licensing unit, M&E Unit, data management unit, quality assurance unit and restructuring existing institutions, building capacity of new and existing institutions to perform new roles, developing Irrigation and Drainage management information system, monitoring and regularly reporting on reforms, Coordinate implementation of reforms, undertake licensing of all irrigation schemes. The program will also undertake capacity building of county governments and other stakeholders on reform related issues and undertake continuous reviews for irrigation related policies, regulations, standards, guidelines, frameworks, strategies and other legal instruments through stakeholder and inter-governmental engagements.
The program also has the responsibility to ensure that high standards in irrigation development are maintained, reduce risks associated with failures in irrigation infrastructure development, enhance sustainability of irrigation schemes and also generate revenue in provision of associated services such as licensing and approval of irrigation scheme designs.
