The government has unveiled an ambitious plan to expand and rehabilitate the Hola Irrigation Scheme in Tana River County, a move aimed at boosting agricultural production and reducing the country’s rice import bill.
Speaking during an inspection tour of the scheme, Principal Secretary in the State Department for Irrigation, CPA Ephantus Kimotho, announced that the immediate priorities include expanding 3,000 acres of irrigated land, rehabilitating 4,500 acres, desilting canals, upgrading reservoirs, and improving intakes.
“Together with Eng. Gilbert Maluki, Chairman of the National Irrigation Authority, and Eng. Charles Muasya, MBS, CEO, we inspected the Hola Irrigation Scheme in Tana River County. Our immediate priorities are expanding 3,000 acres of irrigated land, rehabilitating 4,500 acres, desilting canals, upgrading reservoirs, and improving intakes,” Kimotho stated.
In a major breakthrough for farmers, Kimotho revealed that the scheme’s pumping station has been connected to the national electricity grid, replacing costly diesel pumps with clean energy.
This shift is expected to cut farmers’ operation and maintenance (O&M) costs by 70%, significantly lowering production expenses and supporting climate mitigation efforts.
“I’m pleased to share that we have successfully connected the scheme’s pumping station to the national grid, cutting farmers’ O&M costs by 70%. This shift replaces costly diesel pumps with clean energy, lowering production costs while contributing to climate mitigation,” he noted.
Looking ahead, the PS highlighted the transformative potential of the High Grand Falls Dam, a mega-project that will dramatically increase the Hola Scheme’s capacity.
“With the upcoming High Grand Falls Dam, Hola’s irrigation capacity will expand by 12,000 acres, positioning the scheme as a national rice production hub that will enhance food security, reduce our rice import bill, and create new opportunities for farmers through storage, milling, and market linkages,” Kimotho added.
The inspection was attended by senior officials, including Eng. Gilbert Maluki, Chairman of the National Irrigation Authority, Eng. Charles Muasya, MBS, CEO of NIA, Irrigation Secretary Mr. Joel Tanui, as well as local leaders, county officials, farmer representatives, and community stakeholders.
The group reaffirmed their commitment to supporting government efforts to maximize irrigation potential in Tana River County.
The planned upgrades and expansion underscore the government’s broader strategy to enhance food security, promote sustainable agriculture, and strengthen local economies through irrigation-driven initiatives.