DRAFT NATIONAL IRRIGATION POLICY, 2015
REPUBLIC OF KENYA
MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE, LIVESTOCK AND FISHERIES
NATIONAL IRRIGATION
POLICY, 2015
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DRAFT NATIONAL IRRIGATION POLICY, 2015
FOREWORD
The Constitution of Kenya (CoK) 2010 marks a critical stage in the country‟s
devolution process. It assures Kenyans of the right to be free from hunger and to
have adequate food of acceptable quality (Article 43(c). It further provides for
two levels of government namely the national and county governments. The two
levels have specific, residual and concurrent functions and powers as provided for
under Art. 186 and the Fourth Schedule – Part 1: National government and Part 2:
County governments.
The Constitution describes the two levels of government as distinct and
interdependent and it requires the two levels of government not only to
cooperate with, support and consult each other but also liaise with each other for
purpose of exchanging information, coordinating policies and administration and
enhancing policy
Article 71 of the constitution requires legislation on agreements relating to
exploitation of natural resources be done before due date. Under article 260,
natural resources mean the physical non- human factors and components whether
renewable or non-renewable including surface and ground water among others.
Irrigation policy therefore is one of those that must be enacted by parliament
before due date. Due date in this case on August 26th 2015.
The Fourth Schedule of the Constitution has assigned specified functions on
Agriculture to the National Government and the County governments and it
stipulates that the two levels of government shall conduct their mutual relations
on the basis of consultation and cooperation (Article 6,Article 189 (1) (b) (c). The
provisions related to irrigation at the national government include: the use of
international waters and water resources ; National public works ; protection of
the environment and natural resources (Water protection, securing sufficient
residual water, hydraulic engineering and the safety of dams; and agricultural
policy and Capacity building and technical assistance to the counties and Public
investment. The Executive Order No. 2 ; 20th May 2013 assigns MOALF the
following agricultural functions: agricultural policy and services; national food
security policy; national irrigation policy among others.
At the County government level the functions assigned by the Fourth schedule
include: Agriculture; implementation of specific national government policies on
natural and environmental conservation soil and water The Functions assigned to
County governments by Kenya Gazette Supplement No. 116 of 9th August 2013)
include: Agriculture (Crop husbandry); implementation of programmes in the
agricultural sector to address food security in the county; Development of
programmes to intervene on soil and water management and conservation of the
Natural resource base for agriculture; Land development services such as
construction of Water pans for horticultural production for food security and
others.
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DRAFT NATIONAL IRRIGATION POLICY, 2015
Cooperation requires that there be intergovernmental dialogue or consultation
and it informs both the vertical and horizontal relationships between national and
county levels of government and among the county governments respectively.
The Constitution requires the national government and county governments to
embrace a system of consultation, negotiation and consensus building and it
promotes social and economic development (Article 174 (f)) while upholding the
principle of good governance, integrity, transparency, accountability and
sustainable development. The relationship between the two levels of government
is further guided by the Intergovernmental Relations Act no. 2 of 2012 which
provides for the establishment of a framework for consultation and co-operation.
It also establishes mechanisms for the resolution of intergovernmental disputes in
line with CoK 2010 Articles 6(2) and 189 (i); (3) and (4).
During the implementation stage, the national Irrigation policy will be
complemented by institutional and legal frameworks, sectoral strategies and
county development strategies to provide an orderly and rapid development of
the irrigation sub-sector and to create an enabling environment for effective
stakeholder participation. The policy will further seek to stimulate and guide
irrigation and drainage development through targeted technical support,
intensified investment in the sector, improved research and technology, extension
services and capacity building for both staff and farmer organization to ensure
development and sustainability of the sub-sector.
The Vision and Guiding Principles of this policy are aligned to Vision 2030 as well
as to other sectoral plans, strategies and Acts such as Agricultural Sector
Development Strategy (ASDS), Water Policy, Environmental Management and
Coordination Act (EMCA) taking account of relevant and emerging issues that affect
or are affected by the sector at national, regional and international levels. The
Mission and Objectives have been derived from the mandate of the Irrigation and
Drainage Department (IDD) in the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries.
The Republic of Kenya has an area of approximately 582,646 square kilometres
comprising 97.8 % land and 2.2% water surface. Out of this only 20% of the land
area can be classified as medium to high potential agricultural land and the rest is
mainly arid or semi-arid. Approximately 75% of the population lives within
medium to high potential agricultural areas (consisting of 20% of land mass) while
the rest lives in the ASALS.
The high rainfall zone, which receives more than 1,000 mm of annual rainfall,
occupies less than 20% of the productive agricultural land and carries approximately
50% of the country‟s population. Most of the food and cash crops as well as
livestock are produced in this zone under semi-intensive and intensive systems. The
medium rainfall zone which receives between 750-1000 mm of rainfall annually
occupies between 30%-35% of the 20% of the productive agricultural land area,
and provides home for about 30% of the population. Farmers in this zone keep
cattle and small stock, and grow drought-tolerant crops. The ASALs, which receive
200-750 mm of rainfall annually, cover 84% of the total area. ASALs carry 80% of
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DRAFT NATIONAL IRRIGATION POLICY, 2015
the country‟s livestock and 65% of the wildlife, and are used predominantly as
rangelands and game parks.
The Constitution of Kenya 2010 (CoK 2010) discusses the resource base for irrigation.
For example, in the Fourth Schedule, Part 1 Clause 2 on the management of
international waters and water resources is one of the keys to the development of
irrigation and other water uses. In Clause 22 on the protection of the environment
and natural resources with a view to establishing a durable and sustainable system of
development, includes, in particular: The subsection (c) which states „water
protection, securing sufficient residual water, hydraulic engineering and safety of
dams”. This sub-section provides an important conditionality in the utilization of
water resources including dam construction for water storage in reservoirs. Further in
Chapter Five on Land and Environment, issues of land use and water resources are
canvassed. A large proportion of the country‟s rivers drain across the state boundaries
into lakes shared with Tanzania, Uganda, Ethiopia, Somalia and the Indian Ocean.
The Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries has subjected the draft national
irrigation policy to extensive consultations in order to have a document which will
serve this country well. I therefore take this opportunity to thank all those who have
been involved in this process, I thank especially the Development partners especially
the European, Union ,German Development cooperation especially GIZ and other
development partners who have supported us in one way or the other.
The opportunities for growth through irrigation, drainage and agricultural water
storage are immense in Kenya. The country has an irrigation potential of 1,341,900 ha
based on available water resources and improvement in irrigation water use
efficiency. Of which approximately 161,840 ha of irrigation have been developed
(Water Master plan, 2012). The rate of irrigation development in the country has
been low, with an increase of new irrigated area, which is equivalent to an annual
growth rate of less than one per cent.
The irrigation sub-sector is currently facing many challenges. These include: low rate
of irrigation infrastructure development; inadequate funding for development and
investment by public and private sector; and poorly developed marketing channels
and irrigated commodity value chains. Further, the policy, legal and regulatory
frameworks have not been reviewed to reflect the emerging operational and socioeconomic realities, while low budgetary allocation has constrained service provision
by key institutions.
The implementation of this Policy will therefore facilitate coordinated development
of the sub-sector. This will enable and encourage accelerated development of
irrigation infrastructure, increased productivity per unit volume of water, increased
water harvesting and storage, improved scheme management, enhanced stakeholder
participation and improved business orientation in the sector.
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DRAFT NATIONAL IRRIGATION POLICY, 2015
This draft Policy has been developed through wide and intensive consultation
amongst stakeholders. The corresponding instruments will anchor strategic
interventions, legal safeguards and provide an enabling environment to support and
fast track Policy implementation for the growth and sustainability of irrigation subsector in the country.
HON. FELIX K. KOSKEI
CABINET SECTRETARY
MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE, LIVESTOCK AND FISHERIES
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DRAFT NATIONAL IRRIGATION POLICY, 2015
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
STATEMENT BY THE PRINCIPAL SECRETARY
Food and nutrition security is a key issue for Kenya as emphasized in various key
government policy documents including Vision 2030, Agricultural Sector
Development Plan (ASDS) and the Medium Term Investment Plan 2013-2017. Further
and most important of them all, the Constitution of Kenya under the Bill of Rights
provides for the “right to food of adequate quality and quantity at all times for all”.
This is a clear mandate and requirement to be given priority to ensure food security
and nutrition even as we pursue other equally important objectives of reducing
poverty and generating employment. The principal thrust is to attain food security in
all parts of the country. This will give Kenya the calm and security it requires for
development of other spheres of national development.
To attain increased and sustained food production, the country will need to reduce
reliance on rain-fed agriculture and increase irrigation based systems that allow
production throughout the year and thus better responding to market demand
fluctuations.
Irrigation accounts for only 1.7% of total land area under agriculture, but contributes
3% to the GDP and provides 18% of the value of all agricultural produce
demonstrating the potential of irrigation in increasing agricultural production and
productivity. With irrigation, agricultural production can be increased by up to 400%,
and jobs created at the rate of up to 15 persons per acre directly and indirectly. With
irrigation a reliable supply of raw materials for agro-industries can be guaranteed,
security can also be improved by creating opportunities for the youth to be
economically engaged and thus stemming rural-urban migration. The impact of the
irrigated horticultural production in parts of Country and floriculture in the national
economy demonstrate the potential of irrigation. In the face of adverse impacts of
climate change expanding irrigation through development of sustainable irrigation
production systems will contribute to the stabilization and subsequent growth of the
agricultural production.
The availability of sufficient water resources to support the sub-sector is under
continuous and increasing pressure from other social and economic demands. The
current total water storage capacity is equivalent to 5.3 m3 per capita per year which
is among the lowest water storage rates in the world and equivalent to only 3 months
use. This calls for well-targeted actions in the rehabilitation and management of
watersheds including soil and water conservation in the farmlands in order to increase
our water resource base at which point water harvesting and storage will be sustained
for use especially in irrigation, being the biggest water user consuming on average
over 70 % of all that is used.
Finally, I express my appreciation to all those organizations and individuals who have
so far supported the formulation and development of the draft irrigation policy. In
particular we appreciate and recognize contributions from County Governments and
our development partners such as the European Union, German Development
Cooperation especially GIZ. We shall continue working with them and others until
the final document and its implementation established to ensure that the vision as
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DRAFT NATIONAL IRRIGATION POLICY, 2015
espoused in this draft Policy is realized for the transformation into irrigated agriculture
in this country.
Mrs Sicily Kariuki, (MBS)
Principal Secretary
State Department of Agriculture
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DRAFT NATIONAL IRRIGATION POLICY, 2015
TABLE OF CONTENTS
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ...................................................................................................................................VI
STATEMENT BY THE PRINCIPAL SECRETARY ........................................................................... vi
CHAPTER 1: ........................................................................................................................................................ 13
TOWARDS A NATIONAL IRRIGATION POLICY .......................................................................................... 13
1.0 Rationale ................................................................................................................................... 13
1.2. Vision ........................................................................................................................................ 20
1.3. Mission...................................................................................................................................... 20
1.5. Objectives ................................................................................................................................. 20
1.6. Guiding Principles and Concepts for the Policy .................................................................. 20
CHAPTER 2: ........................................................................................................................................................ 21
BROAD IRRIGATION DEVELOPMENT STRATEGIES .................................................................................... 21
2.0 Introduction ............................................................................................................................. 21
2.1 Increase land under irrigation............................................................................................... 21
2.2 Increase production of irrigated agriculture .......................................................21
2.3 Improve quality of irrigated agricultural produce ...............................................22
2.4 Improve marketing and marketing linkages.........................................................22
2.5 Increase incomes of farmers along the value chain .............................................22
2.6 Mitigating effects of climate change ......................................................................22
2.8 Enhance Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) ...........................................................23
2.9 Improve service delivery to the irrigation sub-sector .........................................23
2.10. Farmer participation in irrigation development and management................24
2.11 Gender equity and involvement of youth in irrigation development and
management ...................................................................................................................24
2.12 Improved resource mobilization for irrigation development ..........................24
2.13 Utilization of research, science and technology in irrigated agriculture .........25
2.14 Enhance capacity building.....................................................................................25
2.15 Enhance compliance with environmental, statutory and legal requirements 25
CHAPTER 3 ......................................................................................................................................................... 26
LEGAL AND INSTITUTIONAL FRAMEWORK ............................................................................................... 26
3.1 Introduction .............................................................................................................................. 26
3.2. Situation Analysis ....................................................................................................26
3.2.1 Role of National Government in Irrigation ......................................................26
3.2.2 Role of County Government in irrigation ........................................................27
3.2.4. Institutions for regulation of irrigation .............................................................28
3. 2.5. Research in irrigation Development ................................................................28
3.2.6 Farmers‟ organizations ........................................................................................28
3.2.7. Regional, International Organizations and Development Partners ..............29
3.2.8. Public-Private Partnership in irrigation development.....................................29
3.2.9. Legal framework for irrigation sub-sector........................................................29
3.3. Specific Policy Objectives ....................................................................................................... 29
3.4. Policy Statements .................................................................................................................... 30
3.4.1. Mandate of the Ministry responsible for irrigation .........................................30
3.4.2 Mandate of the County Irrigation Development Unit ....................................31
3.4.3. Mandate of the National Irrigation Development Service (NIDS) ...............32
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DRAFT NATIONAL IRRIGATION POLICY, 2015
3.4.4. Mandate of Irrigation and Drainage Research Center (IDRC) ......................32
3.4.5. Mandate of an Irrigation Development Fund ............................................(IDF)
3.4.9. Structure and Linkages of the Irrigation sub-sector .........................................35
33
Fig 1: LINKAGES IN THE IRRIGATION SECTOR ........................................................36
RESOURCE MOBILIZATION AND FINANCING ........................................................................................... 37
4.0 Rationale ................................................................................................................................... 37
4.1. Situation Analysis ..................................................................................................................... 37
4.1.1. Public sector financing .........................................................................................37
4.1.2. Financial and Credit Services ..............................................................................37
4.1.3. Development assistance, grants and loans .......................................................38
4.1.4. Private sector financing .......................................................................................38
4.1.5. Farmer Financing .................................................................................................38
4.1.7. Emerging opportunities for financing ...............................................................38
4.2. Specific Policy Objectives ....................................................................................................... 38
4.3. Policy Statements .................................................................................................................... 38
4.3.1. Public Funding......................................................................................................38
4.3.2. Development Partners Financing/Technical Cooperation .............................39
4.3.3. Beneficiary participation in financing of Irrigation .........................................39
4.3.4. Emerging Sources of Financing ..........................................................................40
4.3.5. Smart Incentives for Irrigation Development ..................................................40
CHAPTER 5: ........................................................................................................................................................ 41
DEVELOPMENT, OPERATIONS AND MANAGEMENT ............................................................................... 41
5.0 Rationale ................................................................................................................................... 41
5.1. Situation Analysis ..................................................................................................................... 41
5.1.1. Water for irrigation ..............................................................................................41
5.1.2 Irrigation Infrastructure Development ...............................................................42
5.1.3 Expansion of irrigation and infrastructure development .................................43
5.1.3. Agricultural water harvesting and storage ........................................................43
5.1.5. Operations and maintenance .............................................................................44
5.1.6. Agricultural enterprises in irrigated agriculture ................................................44
5.1.7. Value addition, marketing and commercialization .........................................44
5.1.8. Environmental issues ...........................................................................................44
5.1.9. Public Health and Sanitation ..............................................................................45
5.1.10. Standards and quality control ..........................................................................45
5.2. Specific Policy Objectives ....................................................................................................... 45
5.3. Policy Statements .................................................................................................................... 45
5.3.1 Water for Irrigation Development .....................................................................45
5.3.2 Irrigation Infrastructure Development...............................................................46
5.3.6. Operations and maintenance (O&M) ..............................................................47
5.3.3. Land Tenure.........................................................................................................48
5.3.4. Coping with Climate Change ............................................................................49
5.3.5. Agricultural enterprises .......................................................................................49
5.3.6. Environment and Health ...................................................................................50
5.3.7. Value addition and Marketing ..........................................................................50
CHAPTER 6: ........................................................................................................................................................ 52
CAPACITY BUILDING ........................................................................................................................................ 52
6.0 Rationale ................................................................................................................................... 52
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DRAFT NATIONAL IRRIGATION POLICY, 2015
6.1. Situation Analysis ..................................................................................................................... 52
6.1.1. Promoting science and technology in irrigation ...............................................52
6.1.2. Research and innovation ....................................................................................53
6.1.3. Technical Training ...............................................................................................53
6.1.4. Capacity Building for Farmers ............................................................................53
6.1.5. Information and Knowledge Management Systems .......................................53
6.2. Specific Policy Objectives ....................................................................................................... 54
6.3. Policy Statements .................................................................................................................... 54
6.3.1. Science and Technology......................................................................................54
6.3.2. Research and innovation ...................................................................................54
6.3.3. Supporting Institutions for research and capacity building ............................55
6.3.4. Technical Training ...............................................................................................55
6.3.5. Knowledge management ...................................................................................56
6.3.6. Farmers and staff Capacity Strengthening ........................................................56
CHAPTER 7: ........................................................................................................................................................ 57
MONITORING AND EVALUATION OF POLICY IMPLEMENTATION ................................................... 57
CHAPTER 8: ........................................................................................................................................................ 58
IMPLEMENTATION FRAMEWORK FOR THE POLICY ................................................................................ 58
TABLE 2: LEGAL INSTITUTIONS IN THE IRRIGATION SECTOR ............................................................... 60
DEFINITION OF KEY TERMS ........................................................................................................................... 65
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DRAFT NATIONAL IRRIGATION POLICY, 2015
ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS
ASALs
ASDS
CAADP
Cap
DID
EMCA
ERS
GIS
GDP
Ha
ICT
IDD
IDF
IDMIS
IDRC
IDTC
IFAD
IMT
IWRM
IWUAs
JICA
KARI
KALRO
KEBS
KEFRI
KEMRI
KEPHIS
KEWI
KIRDI
M&E
MOA
MTP
MWI
NEMA
NGO
NIB
NIDS
O&M
Arid and Semi-Arid Lands
Agricultural Sector Development Strategy for 2009-2020
Comprehensive Africa Agricultural Development Programme
Chapter
Director of Irrigation and Drainage Department
Environmental Management and Coordination Act
Economic Recovery Strategy for Wealth and Employment
Creation
Geographic Information Systems
Gross Domestic Product
Hectares
Information Communication Technology
Irrigation and Drainage Directorate
Irrigation Development Fund
Irrigation and Drainage Management Information System
Irrigation Development Research Center
Irrigation Development Training Center
International Fund for agricultural Development
Irrigation Management Transfer
Integrated Water Resources Management
Irrigation Water Users Associations
Japan International Corporation Agency
Kenya Agricultural Research Institute
Kenya Agricultural and livestock Research Organisation
Kenya Bureau of Standards
Kenya Forestry Research Institute
Kenya Medical Research Institute
Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate
Kenya Water Institute
Kenya Industrial Research and Development Institute
Monitoring and Evaluation
Ministry of Agriculture
Medium Term Plan
Ministry of Water and Irrigation
National Environmental Management Authority
Non-Governmental Organization
National Irrigation Board
National Irrigation Development Service
Operations and Maintenance
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DRAFT NATIONAL IRRIGATION POLICY, 2015
OP
PPP
RDA
SME
SRA
WRMA
WSTF
WSRB
WRUA
WSB
WUA
WAB
Office of the President
Public Private Partnership
Regional Development Authority
Small and Medium Scale Enterprise
Strategy for the Revitalization of Agriculture
Water Resources Management Authority
Water Services Trust Fund
Water Services Regulatory Board
Water Resources User Association
Water Services Board
Water User Association
Water Appeals Board
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DRAFT NATIONAL IRRIGATION POLICY, 2015
1.0 Rationale
CHAPTER 1:
TOWARDS A NATIONAL IRRIGATION POLICY
1. The Constitution of Kenya (CoK) 2010 marks a critical stage in the country‟s
devolution process. It assures Kenyans of the right to be free from hunger and to
have adequate food of acceptable quality (Article 43(c). It further provides for
two levels of government namely the national and county governments. The two
levels have specific, residual and concurrent functions and powers as provided for
under Art. 186 and the Fourth Schedule – Part 1: National government and Part 2:
County governments.
2. The Constitution describes the two levels of government as distinct and
interdependent and it requires the two levels of government not only to
cooperate with, support and consult each other but also liaise with each other for
purpose of exchanging information, coordinating policies and administration and
enhancing policy
3. The Fourth Schedule of the Constitution has assigned specified functions on
Agriculture to the National Government and the County governments and it
stipulates that the two levels of government shall conduct their mutual relations
on the basis of consultation and cooperation (Article 6,Article 189 (1) (b) (c). The
provisions related to irrigation at the national government include: the use of
international waters and water resources ; National public works ; protection of
the environment and natural resources (Water protection, securing sufficient
residual water, hydraulic engineering and the safety of dams; and agricultural
policy and Capacity building and technical assistance to the counties and Public
investment. The Executive Order No. 2 ; 20th May 2013 assigns MOALF the
following agricultural functions: agricultural policy and services; national food
security policy; national irrigation policy among others.
4. At the County government level the functions assigned by the Fourth schedule
include: Agriculture; implementation of specific national government policies on
natural and environmental conservation soil and water The Functions assigned to
County governments by Kenya Gazette Supplement No. 116 of 9th August 2013)
include: Agriculture (Crop husbandry); implementation of programmes in the
agricultural sector to address food security in the county; Development of
programmes to intervene on soil and water management and conservation of the
Natural resource base for agriculture; Land development services such as
construction of Water pans for horticultural production for food security and
others.
5. Cooperation requires that there be intergovernmental dialogue or consultation
and it informs both the vertical and horizontal relationships between national and
county levels of government and among the county governments respectively.
The Constitution requires the national government and county governments to
embrace a system of consultation, negotiation and consensus building and it
promotes social and economic development (Article 174 (f)) while upholding the
principle of good governance, integrity, transparency, accountability and
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DRAFT NATIONAL IRRIGATION POLICY, 2015
sustainable development. The relationship between the two levels of government
is further guided by the Intergovernmental Relations Act no. 2 of 2012 which
provides for the establishment of a framework for consultation and co-operation.
It also establishes mechanisms for the resolution of intergovernmental disputes in
line with CoK 2010 Articles 6(2) and 189 (i); (3) and (4).
6. The irrigation policy takes cognizance of the obligations of each level of national
and county government with regard to irrigation development and management.
The Constitution recognizes Kenya as a member of International Community and
Article 2 (5) (6) upholds the principle of International Law and recognizes all the
treaties, conventions, protocols and agreements ratified by Kenya as part of the
laws of Kenya. The policy recognizes and upholds the participation of all the
relevant stakeholders including farmers and the communities in the
implementation of the policy on irrigation development and management as a
national value and principle of governance.
7. The irrigation policy recognizes that there are clear functions and roles of National
and County Governments in the implementation of the policy and the need of
intergovernmental and inter-sectoral structures at both national and county
government levels to address irrigation matters. The formulation and
implementation of the irrigation policy therefore involves the two levels of
government in line with the spirit of the CoK 2010.
8. The sharing of roles and functions between the National and County governments
will require review of some of the existing policies and acts. There will also be
development of new policies and Acts of Parliament for various sections of
Government as the current dispensation either adds or takes away roles that were
earlier performed by the central government. It will also require the development
of new institutional framework for the sub-sector. Improving agricultural
productivity and production in Kenya will demand the expansion of areas under
irrigation1, as well as improvement in the performance of the sector.
9. During the implementation stage, the national Irrigation policy will be
complemented by institutional and legal frameworks, sectoral strategies and
county development strategies to provide an orderly and rapid development of
the irrigation sub-sector and to create an enabling environment for effective
stakeholder participation. The policy will further seek to stimulate and guide
irrigation and drainage development through targeted technical support,
intensified investment in the sector, improved research and technology, extension
services and capacity building for both staff and farmer organization to ensure
development and sustainability of the sub-sector.
1
For the purpose of this policy “Irrigation” means irrigation and drainage including
agricultural water harvesting and storage or any “human actions taken to improve
availability of water for agricultural production of crops, pasture, livestock, aquaculture,
and desired forest trees”.
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DRAFT NATIONAL IRRIGATION POLICY, 2015
10. The Vision and Guiding Principles of this policy are aligned to Vision 2030 as well
as to other sectoral plans, strategies and Acts such as Agricultural Sector
Development Strategy (ASDS), Water Policy, Environmental Management and
Coordination Act (EMCA) taking account of relevant and emerging issues that
affect or are affected by the sector at national, regional and international levels.
The Mission and Objectives have been derived from the mandate of the Irrigation
and Drainage Department (IDD) in the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and
Fisheries.
11. The Republic of Kenya has an area of approximately 582,646 square kilometres
comprising 97.8 % land and 2.2% water surface. Out of this only 20% of the
land area can be classified as medium to high potential agricultural land and the
rest is mainly arid or semi-arid. Approximately 75% of the population lives within
medium to high potential agricultural areas (consisting of 20% of land mass) while
the rest lives in the ASALS.
12. The high rainfall zone, which receives more than 1,000 mm of annual rainfall,
occupies less than 20% of the productive agricultural land and carries
approximately 50% of the country‟s population. Most of the food and cash crops
as well as livestock are produced in this zone under semi-intensive and intensive
systems. The medium rainfall zone which receives between 750-1000 mm of
rainfall annually occupies between 30%-35% of the 20% of the productive
agricultural land area, and provides home for about 30% of the population.
Farmers in this zone keep cattle and small stock, and grow drought-tolerant crops.
The ASALs, which receive 200-750 mm of rainfall annually, cover 84% of the
total area. ASALs carry 80% of the country‟s livestock and 65% of the wildlife,
and are used predominantly as rangelands and game parks.
13. The Constitution of Kenya 2010 (CoK 2010) discusses the resource base for
irrigation. For example, in the Fourth Schedule, Part 1 Clause 2 on the
management of international waters and water resources is one of the keys to the
development of irrigation and other water uses. In Clause 22 on the protection of
the environment and natural resources with a view to establishing a durable and
sustainable system of development, includes, in particular: The subsection (c)
which states „water protection, securing sufficient residual water, hydraulic
engineering and safety of dams”. This sub-section provides an important
conditionality in the utilization of water resources including dam construction for
water storage in reservoirs. Further in Chapter Five on Land and Environment,
issues of land use and water resources are canvassed. A large proportion of the
country‟s rivers drain across the state boundaries into lakes shared with Tanzania,
Uganda, Ethiopia, Somalia and the Indian Ocean.
14. The National government will in consultation with County governments and
other stakeholders set and monitor irrigation standards and ensure that the actions
of one irrigator while using water do not leave other downstream users with no
water or construction of dams that endanger the lives of persons and property
downstream. As agriculture expands into more marginal areas and the evolving
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DRAFT NATIONAL IRRIGATION POLICY, 2015
climatic change, water storage for agricultural production through irrigation is
necessary.
15. Article 71 of the constitution requires legislation on agreements relating to
exploitation of natural resources be done before due date. Under article 260,
natural resources mean the physical non- human factors and components whether
renewable or non-renewable including surface and ground water among others.
Irrigation policy therefore is one of those that must be enacted by parliament
before due date. Due date in this case on August 26th 2015.
1.1.2. Agriculture
16. Agriculture is the mainstay of Kenya‟s economy, directly contributing 26 per cent
of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), and another 25 per cent indirectly. The
sector accounts for 65 per cent of the export earnings and provides more than 18
percent of formal employment and more than 70 per cent informal jobs in the
rural areas. Agriculture is therefore one of the keys to the realization of national
aspirations in Vision 2030 for poverty reduction, wealth and employment
creation. Because the cropping and livestock production systems follow the annual
rainfall patterns which are highly variable and unreliable, the country must
embrace irrigation development to remain competitive in the global and regional
arena. Irrigation will also significantly contribute to meeting the demands of
national food security as well as the sophisticated and emerging export markets for
food, fiber, oil crops, animals and fisheries.
1.1.3. Kenya‟s Irrigation Potential and Development
17. Kenya has not fully developed her irrigation potential estimated as 1.342 million
ha. The irrigation potential is based on surface and underground water including
water harvesting and storage. By end of 2013, approximately 161,840 ha of
irrigation potential had been developed. This is about 12% of the potential
leaving more than 80% of Kenya's irrigation potential undeveloped.
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DRAFT NATIONAL IRRIGATION POLICY, 2015
18. Table 1 below shows the distribution of irrigation potential in Water Basins.
Irrigation Potential and Development Per Basin
Existing Irrigation
Water
Basin
Area Developed as Percentage
of
potential Estimates
Catchment Areas
at 2013 (hectares)
area developed)
(Hectares)
Lake Victoria
327,219
20,206
6%
Rift Valley
84,200
15,089
18%
Athi River
295,956
47,710
16%
Tana River
566,995
70,427
12%
Ewaso Nyiro North
151,730
8,408
6%
Total
1,341,900
161,840
Adopted from: IDD, WMP, MoEWNR
12%
1.1.4. Past Irrigation Development Related Policies
19. Past irrigation development strategies and approaches are articulated in the
Sessional Paper No.4 of 1981 on National Food Policy, Sessional Paper No. 1 on
Economic Management for Renewed Growth, Sessional Paper No.2 of 1994 on
National Food Policy, the Economic Recovery Strategy (2003 - 2007), Strategy for
Revitalizing Agriculture (2004-2014), the Water Act (2002), the Agriculture Sector
Development Strategy (ASDS 2010-2030) and Vision 2030. Past development
approaches in irrigation scheme development aimed providing employment and
settlement for the landless. In these schemes, the National Irrigation Board (NIB)
played a central role in providing water conveyance, land preparation, inputs
supply, produce marketing and processing. However, following liberalization of
financial markets and removal of marketing restrictions, farmers‟ participation in
identification, development, operation and maintenance of the schemes through
irrigation water users‟ associations (IWUAS) has increased. The development
strategies of this Policy draw from both the successes and failures of the past while
institutionalizing more participatory, stakeholder-led and business-oriented
irrigation.
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DRAFT NATIONAL IRRIGATION POLICY, 2015
1.1.5. Organizational Categories of Irrigation schemes in Kenya
20.
Kenya‟s irrigation subsector is categorized into two broad categories based on
whether they are public or privately owned. These categories can further be
classified into national and institutional (for the Public Schemes) and either
individual/firm or community-based (for privately owned schemes).
21.
Public owned irrigation schemes are those in government-owned land and have
been developed and managed by public institutions. The country has a number
of public irrigation schemes with a total area of 24,240 ha. National schemes
have acreages ranging from 800 Ha to over 12,000 Ha and accounts for 18% of
irrigated land area in Kenya. These schemes are managed by the NIB, Regional
Development Authorities (RDAs), National Youth Service (NYS), the Prisons,
universities and colleges. In some national schemes, the government jointly
manages the schemes with farmers‟ organizations such IWUAs through irrigation
management transfer programmes. The RDAs invest in estate-type irrigation
schemes with nucleus and out grower farmers‟ arrangement. Public schemes
employ about 900,000 people directly and indirectly. Examples of national
schemes include Mwea, Ahero, West Kano, Bunyala, Bura and Hola while
institutional schemes include the ADC, NYS, prisons and Galana Kulalu Irrigation
schemes.
22.
The community based smallholder irrigation schemes belong to
individuals/groups of farmers sharing a common irrigation system operating as
irrigation water users associations (IWUAs), cooperatives or self-help groups.
There are about 3,600 smallholder irrigation schemes covering 57,760 ha with
over 2 million people working in them. They produce the bulk of horticultural
produce consumed in Kenya, appreciable amounts of export crops, grain staples
and tubers. These schemes have been developed with the support of the
government, development partners and Non Governmental Organizations
(NGOs). Examples include South West Kano, Mitunguu, Lower Nzoia, Chala,
Lower Kaya, Oluch Kimira among others.
23.
Private commercial farms cover 53,000 hectares accounting for 40% of irrigated
land. Most of them utilize high technology and produce high-value crops for the
local and export market, especially flowers and vegetables. The farms employ a
workforce of about 82,500. Examples include Del Monte, Kakuzi, High grown
and Equator Flowers.
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DRAFT NATIONAL IRRIGATION POLICY, 2015
1.1.6. Challenges in Irrigation Development
24. There are many constraints and challenges facing the irrigation sector, which
include (i) un-coordinated policies, legal, institutional and regulatory frameworks
(ii) under-exploited irrigation potential due to low levels of public participation
and investments including inadequate budgetary allocation, (iii) Inadequate
private sector participation and investments, (iv) inadequate infrastructure
development for irrigation, drainage and water storage, (v) poorly developed
channels for participation by irrigators and weak governance of water
users‟/farmer associations, (vi) inadequate and un-coordinated information in
irrigation research, science and technology, (vii) inadequate support services (viii)
insecure land tenure and unsustainable land use, and ix) inappropriate utilization
of waste water, (x) ineffective use of water resources in existing schemes (xi)
inadequate access to credit and financial services, (xii) input supplies and output
markets (xiii) limited incentives for investment in irrigation materials, technology,
equipment and machinery, (xi) challenges of climate change.
1.1.7. Increased demand for water for production
25. Increased water demand under conditions of scarcity has resulted in farmers using
untreated or partially treated wastewater for crop production, fodder, and green
spaces particularly in major urban centers. Greater numbers now depend on it for
their livelihoods. This practice has led to conflicts between farmers and urban
authorities because of the health hazards involved. Planned re-use that seeks to
maximize the benefits while minimizing the risks will require an approach that
brings health, urban, water, environmental and agricultural authorities together.
1.1.8. The need for a National Irrigation Policy
26. Kenya has not had a policy on irrigation development and management. There is
therefore demand for a policy as the sub-sector continues to grow. It is in this
context that this policy will seek to facilitate and guide irrigation development by
addressing the challenges and constraints in the sub-sector through:
a. Formulation of appropriate institutional and legal framework,
b. establishing mechanisms for resource mobilization, investments and financing
of the sub-sector,
c. Harmonization of roles and functions, in the development, operation and
management of irrigation in the country,
d. Capacity building, research, innovation, science and technology,
e. mainstreaming use of all existing and emerging water sources and technologies
such as recycled, geo-thermal water, desalinated, and waste water,
f. Mechanisms for improved coordination, monitoring and evaluation.
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DRAFT NATIONAL IRRIGATION POLICY, 2015
1.2. Vision
27. Increased food security, wealth,
employment creation, and poverty reduction
through accelerated development and improvement of the performance of
irrigation sub-sector
1.3. Mission
28. To guide and facilitate the development and management of irrigation in Kenya.
1.5. Objectives
29. The specific policy objectives are to:
a.expand land under irrigation by an average of 40,000 ha per year in line with
Vision 2030;
b. promote irrigation in each sub-county in the country;
c. increase agricultural water harvesting and storage capacities,
d. promote water harvesting, use of wastewater, and exploitation of
groundwater for irrigation,
e. mobilize resources for investments from various stakeholders and increase
Government financial allocation to irrigation to at least 5% of the annual
national budget,
f. build capacity for generation and utilization of irrigation research, innovation
and technology,
g.promote participation of various stakeholders in planning, implementation and
management of irrigation,
h. promote and adopt an integrated approach to sustainable commercial
irrigation farming, and
i. Formulate an appropriate, legal, institutional and regulatory framework
for
the sub-sector.
1.6. Guiding Principles and Concepts for the Policy
30. In order to meet the objectives of the policy, the sector shall be guided by the
following principles:
a. Intergovernmental co-ordination and consultation between the national and
county governments
b. demand-driven irrigation development and management,
c. social inclusiveness in irrigation development and management,
d. environmental sustainability in irrigation development and management,
e. participatory approach in irrigation development for Sustainability,
f. efficiency in water use in irrigation,
g. equity, transparency and good governance,
h. professionalism in irrigation development and management, and
i. Fairness in conflicts resolution.
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DRAFT NATIONAL IRRIGATION POLICY, 2015
CHAPTER 2:
BROAD IRRIGATION DEVELOPMENT STRATEGIES
2.0 Introduction
31. Irrigation development presents an opportunity to increase productivity to meet
the rising demand for food. It requires formulation and operationalization of a
Master plan to guide and fast track irrigation development, improve sub-sector
financing, build a well equipped human resource and technical capacity to plan
and manage the growth and operations, while institutionalizing a well-functioning
monitoring and evaluation system. The sub-sector development also intends to
facilitate increased irrigation infrastructure, enhanced participation of farmers, and
business orientation of irrigated agriculture, and more efficient institutional
arrangements.
32. The National Government and the County and other irrigation stakeholders will
apply the following broad irrigation development strategies:
2.1
Increase land under irrigation
33. Additional irrigation infrastructure will be developed and existing schemes
expanded by the National Government in collaboration with the County
Government, with the aim of attaining the national target in order to ensure
irrigation contributes to the attainment of national targets from the current
irrigated area of 150, 000 ha to 1,341,900 ha by 2030.
34. Domesticate and implement appropriate protocols and agreements to enable
exploitation of trans-boundary water resources in irrigation development.
35. Development and expansion of water harvesting and storage, control, delivery
and storage infrastructure for irrigation, as part of multiple water use will be
promoted.
2.2
Increase production of irrigated agriculture
36. Incorporating holistic agricultural water management (AWM), which includes
irrigation water harvesting and storage, in-field water management, protection of
water catchment and riparian areas, soil fertility management, pest and disease
control and other appropriate agronomic practices.
37. Rehabilitating and upgrading existing under-utilized irrigation systems.
38. Improving efficiency, accessibility and affordability of the required farm inputs,
irrigation equipments and support services.
39. Diversifying the crop enterprises and integrating livestock and fisheries in irrigated
agriculture.
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DRAFT NATIONAL IRRIGATION POLICY, 2015
2.3 Improve quality of irrigated agricultural produce
40. Quality of produce will be improved through effective utilization of approved and
appropriate water, field and agronomic management practices, product handling
and care.
41. Enforcing quality control regulations and standards for agricultural produce, input
supplies, sanitary and phyto-sanitary controls and environmental protection.
42. Enhancing farmer education and awareness, and improving communication and
information flow.
2.4 Improve marketing and marketing linkages
43. Proper maintenance of existing markets and establishing modern marketing
infrastructure and institutions.
44. Streamlining the whole value chain and improving the quality of goods in internal
and external markets.
45. Providing market information and access for agricultural produce and regulatory
functions to protect farmers from undue exploitation by brokers.
2.5 Increase incomes of farmers along the value chain
46. Expanding
and improving facilities for post-harvest handling, processing,
packaging, transport and wholesale market points for irrigated farm produce.
47. Imparting entrepreneurial skills to promote rural-based agro-industry with
adequate capacity.
48. Enhancing investments in irrigated agriculture through appropriate financing,
credit, insurance and savings mechanisms.
2.6 Mitigating effects of climate change
49. Harnessing agricultural water resources and storage infrastructure to reduce flood
and drought disasters, and environmental damage arising from climatic variations.
50. Enhancing crop, aquaculture and livestock farming systems resilience through
appropriate agricultural water management using water efficient technologies and
production methods.
51. Promoting increased use of renewable energy
2.7 Enhancing sustainability in irrigated agriculture
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DRAFT NATIONAL IRRIGATION POLICY, 2015
52. Encouraging policies geared towards lowering the costs of irrigation equipments
and inputs.
53. Encouraging provision of marketing through appropriate mechanisms such as
farming contracts with exporters.
54. Encouraging targeted smart incentives and subsidies to women, youth and the
disadvantaged.
55. Enhancing and ensuring availability of adequate water storage for irrigation.
56. Encouraging participation in protection of water catchments and riparian areas
57. Reviewing the government policies on financing and credit availability to support
irrigation development.
58. An irrigation framework for the formation and management of stakeholder groups
will be developed. IWUAs will be established and legalized at scheme level to
ensure water use and equitable distribution, undertake operation and
maintenance, and resolve conflicts.
59. Diagnostic tools and mechanisms for performance assessment will be developed to
enable effective monitoring and evaluation.
60. Improving irrigation technology such as the use of solar energy and other
renewable energy in pumping.
2.8 Enhance Public-Private Partnerships (PPP)
61. PPPs will be promoted through innovative incentives for entrepreneurs and other
private sector players to invest and participate in irrigation.
2.9 Improve service delivery to the irrigation sub-sector
62. The department in charge of irrigation and drainage will develop principles,
standards, guidelines and procedures and monitoring and evaluation systems for
development and management of irrigation.
63. Stakeholder participation will be strengthened and Irrigation Water Resource
Management (IWRM) principles adopted in all irrigation projects, programmes
and initiatives.
64. Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) will be encouraged to develop alongside
irrigation value chains to facilitate supply of inputs and equipment, value addition,
transport and output markets.
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DRAFT NATIONAL IRRIGATION POLICY, 2015
65. Irrigation support infrastructure and related services will be developed to enhance
efficiency and commercialization of the sub-sector.
2.10. Farmer participation in irrigation development and management
2.10.1 Farmers participation
66. Farmers are at the center of the irrigation development policy. It is critical that
they are involved in all stages of the irrigation development process from needs
identification through design, financing and implementation. Special care should
be taken in the design and implementation of irrigation activities to minimize any
potential adverse effects on their livelihoods. Pastoral livelihoods should be
considered in the list of benefits that irrigation is expected to provide.
67. There is need to sensitize of farmers to create demand for irrigation and facilitate
smallholder farmers to form legal and sustainable organizations cooperatives to
support production, marketing and overall management of irrigation schemes. To
achieve this, a legal framework for support to farmers organized around irrigation
is necessary.
2.11 Gender equity and involvement of youth in irrigation development and
management
68. The gender-related challenges and the involvement youth will be addressed in
irrigated agriculture and seek to achieve equity and greater participation in the
sub-sector.
69. Gender roles and the involvement of the youth in irrigation development will be
considered and
management.
incorporated
in
irrigation
planning,
development
and
70. Targeted capacity building on gender and mechanisms to involve the youth in
irrigated agriculture will be enhanced.
2.12 Improved resource mobilization for irrigation development
71. Mechanisms for enhanced resource mobilization will be developed for the sub-
sector.
72. Public investment in the sub-sector will be promoted and targeted at the
development of irrigation infrastructure, agricultural water harvesting and storage.
73. An irrigation development fund will be established to mobilize resources for
development of irrigation infrastructure, research and capacity building.
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DRAFT NATIONAL IRRIGATION POLICY, 2015
74. Mechanisms for implementation of financing the operation and maintenance of
irrigation systems will be developed.
2.13 Utilization of research, science and technology in irrigated agriculture
75. Irrigation sub-sector growth will be driven by research, science and technology in
order to attain high productivity and meet quality standards.
76. Farmers will be encouraged to adopt modern practices and appropriate
technologies to increase productivity and efficiency.
77. Cooperation and collaboration in irrigation research, science and technology, and
information sharing will be promoted with regional and international partners.
2.14 Enhance capacity building
78. Capacity building for irrigation stakeholders will be improved at all levels for the
sub-sector.
79. Strengthening linkages for capacity building amongst institutions engaged in
irrigation development.
2.15 Enhance compliance with environmental, statutory and legal requirements
80. Mainstreaming environmental, health and other related policies/legal requirements
in irrigation development.
81. Capacity building among irrigators on health, environment management and
other related legal provisions.
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DRAFT NATIONAL IRRIGATION POLICY, 2015
CHAPTER 3
LEGAL AND INSTITUTIONAL FRAMEWORK
3.1 Introduction
82. The policy aligns irrigation to the Constitution of Kenya as well as Kenya Vision
2030, Millennium Development goals and the International Laws, treaties,
agreements and conventions ratified in Kenya.
83. The Constitution provides for the review of existing legislation to introduce any
“alterations, adaptations, qualifications and exceptions “to bring such laws into
conformity with the Constitution.
84. In Kenya, irrigation has been governed /operating under the irrigation Act (cap 347)
which is archaic and doesn‟t address issues related to small holder farmers and the
private sector.
85. There is need to review of all laws which have a bearing on irrigation is necessary to
align them with the Constitution of Kenya and with emerging issues in the general
rules of International laws and the provisions of any treaty or convention ratified in
Kenya.
86. The national Government in consultation with the County Governments and all the
relevant stakeholders shall review all the legislation currently in force and develop
new legislation to adequately address and create an enabling environment for
irrigation development and management in the country.
3.2. Situation Analysis
3.2.1 Role of National Government in Irrigation
87. The overall mandate for irrigation development in the country is currently vested in
the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries (MoALF). Within the ministry, the
Irrigation and Drainage Directorate (IDD). It is generally responsible for the overall
coordination of the irrigation function and specifically responsible for Small Holder
Irrigation Development in the country. There are ongoing reforms to align the
functions to conform to CoK 2010.The reforms should address the role of the two
levels of Government in irrigation development and management.
88. Other Government Ministries that currently have direct or indirect relationship and
impact on irrigation include Ministries responsible for Environment, Water and
Natural Resources, Energy, the National Treasury; Devolution and Planning; Lands,
Housing and Urban Development; Industrialization and Enterprise Development, and
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DRAFT NATIONAL IRRIGATION POLICY, 2015
Health. There is overlap of functions and inadequate coordination of approaches in
irrigation development and management. Whereas the mandate of irrigation
development is vested within MoALF, other Ministries and agencies undertake
irrigation development and management without a structured engagement.
89. There are many statutory Boards, parastatals and semi-autonomous agencies involved
in irrigation development and management. They include Government corporations
responsible for Regional development, infrastructure development, environmental
conservation and management, public health, research and training institutions
including universities.
90. The NIB as established under CAP 347 of 1966 is mandated to develop and manage
public irrigation schemes. The schemes are Mwea, Hola, Perkerra, West Kano, Ahero
and Bunyala. Overtime The NIB activities have expanded to include development of
Smallholder owner-managed Irrigation Schemes. There is therefore need to review
the existing law to provide for an all inclusive and comprehensive statute to guide the
development of all types and scale of irrigation schemes .
91. The role of the Regional Development Authorities (RDAs) is to plan, coordinate, and
promote investment for integrated natural resource use. Overtime the RDAs have
expanded their mandate to include development of Irrigation projects and
programmes. This has led to uncoordinated and duplication of functions. Mechanisms
should be put in place to stream line how MoALF works with the RDAs to ensure a
coordinated approach to planning and implementation of irrigation and drainage
projects and programs.
3.2.2 Role of County Government in irrigation
92. The role of County governments emanates from the CoK2010 the 4th schedule part 2
which includes crop and animal husbandly, natural resources and environment (soil
and water conservation). However the counties are free to identify the key ministries
and institutions to take the lead in irrigation development.
93. While at the national level, the irrigation department has been clearly placed under
the MoALF, in different counties it has been placed in varying ministries or is missing
entirely as a department.
3.2.3. Institutions financing irrigation sub-Sector
94. Currently, the sub-sector is mainly financed by the government, development
partners, and other stakeholders. The funding level is inadequate and thinly spread to
meet the increasing demand for development. The budgeting, implementation and
monitoring are uncoordinated resulting in poor sub-sector growth. This therefore
27
DRAFT NATIONAL IRRIGATION POLICY, 2015
calls for institutional reforms to harmonize and improve financial mobilization and
fund management in the sub-sector.
3.2.4. Institutions for regulation of irrigation
95. The institutions that regulate irrigation sub-sector are the MoALF, Water Resources
Management Authority WARMA and the National Environmental Management
Authority (NEMA) whereas, these institutions have their roles, there is inadequate
coordination in the identification and development of projects that are sustainable.
Therefore, there is need for a mechanism to attain coordination of irrigation as it
continues to expand.
96. Whereas the allocation of water is the responsibility of WRMA; irrigation as a major
water user often faces challenges during drought. There are inadequate incentives to
promote compliance with water allocation requirements.
97. Currently the existing mechanism and structure to identify the number of irrigation
schemes within the country is inadequate. As a result, a comprehensive database on
the status of irrigation sub-sector is not available.
3. 2.5. Research in irrigation Development
98. Research and innovation in the irrigation sub-sector are essential for the country to
achieve its long-term development targets. However, due to lack of a centralized
institution with specific mandate for irrigation research, the sub-sector has been in the
past inadequately served. Research in irrigation development has in the past been
mainly undertaken by former Kenya Agriculture Research Institute (KARI). The
national universities and international research centers also conduct research in
irrigation, but their focus is guided mostly by their own institutional agenda. Within
the ministry responsible for irrigation, a Water Resource Management Research
Institute exists within newly established Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research
Organization (KALRO). This development provides an opportunity for the
establishment of Irrigation and Drainage Research Training center/ Unit to provide
focused research within the sub-sector.
3.2.6 Farmers‟ organizations
99. A group of irrigators sharing a common irrigation system often formed either as are
usually grouped together into formal and informal organizations such as Irrigation
Water Users Associations (IWUAs) cooperatives or
self help groups. These
organizations usually operate at scheme level and will play different roles such as
development of irrigation infrastructure and operation and maintenance. Irrigation
water management marketing of produce, acquisition of inputs and credit,
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DRAFT NATIONAL IRRIGATION POLICY, 2015
The major challenge with these farmer organizations is their low capacity to
undertake their respective mandates. Furthermore the legal status of most of these
organizations is a problem as many are not legal entities. Their roles and activities
therefore need streamlining for the realization of their full potential in irrigation
development.
100.
3.2.7. Regional, International Organizations and Development Partners
Irrigation development draws support from international and regional agencies.
However, the collaboration and coordination mechanisms with the development
partners to facilitate rapid growth of the sub-sector are inadequate.
101.
3.2.8. Public-Private Partnership in irrigation development
The economic liberalization and market-driven policies in Kenya have provided
for increased the levels of private sector investment in irrigation. However, the
enabling environment for enhanced Public-private partnership for effective
participation has not been mainstreamed. However one such initiative to introduce
this aspect is the upcoming Galana -Kulala project.
102.
3.2.9. Legal framework for irrigation sub-sector
The Irrigation Act (Cap 347) of 1966 established the NIB with a mandate to
identify, designs develop, administer and manage public irrigation schemes. This Act
does not take into account community-based smallholder and private irrigation
schemes. Moreover, there are other public irrigation schemes managed by Regional
Development Authorities and the National Youth Service, which are not covered
under the Act. Lack of a comprehensive legal framework has created challenges in the
administration and regulation of sub-sector; hence the need for review of the Act.
103.
3.3. Specific Policy Objectives
104.
The policy objectives are:
a. To establish an appropriate institutional, legal, regulatory and implementation
framework for the irrigation sub-sector for effective promotion, coordination,
management and regulation in irrigation development.
b. To create an enabling environment for the participation of all stakeholders in the
development and management of irrigation.
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DRAFT NATIONAL IRRIGATION POLICY, 2015
3.4. Policy Statements
105.
To achieve the policy objectives:
a. An Irrigation and Drainage Directorate within the ministry responsible for
irrigation specifically focusing on irrigation regulatory functions for the sub-sector
will be established. The unit will work closely with the county Governments
b. A National Irrigation Development Service (NIDS), Irrigation and Drainage
Research Center (IDRC) and Irrigation Development Fund (IDF) to facilitate an
integrated and multi-sectoral approach to sustainable2 irrigation development
and management shall be created.
c. An irrigation unit or entity at the county level to be responsible for irrigation
development functions will be established.
d. Legislation covering the new structure, functions and duties of various institutions
to be established in this policy will be enacted and those hindering
implementation reviewed.
e. Mechanisms to promote public-private partnerships approach towards sub-sector
growth will be enhanced.
f. Sector-Wide Approach to Planning (SWAP) and development to be enhanced
g. The ministry responsible for irrigation or its agency will be mandated to maintain
a databank as a tool to enhance planning and efficiency in resource utilization in
collaboration with the county Government.
h. Farmer organizations and water user groups engaged in resource mobilization for
irrigation will be legally required to register with the relevant Government
institutions and legal instruments developed and applied to enforce
accountability and transparency
The Policy recommends devolution of service delivery to the National Irrigation
Development Service (NIDS), and County governments, leaving the ministry
responsible for irrigation to carry out policy review, regulation, oversight, overall
planning, guidance and capacity building among others.
106.
3.4.1. Mandate of the Ministry responsible for irrigation
The Ministry responsible for irrigation will through the Irrigation and Drainage
Department undertake the following responsibilities: :
a. Formulate and review national irrigation policy and strategy in collaboration with
the County Governments and other relevant stakeholders;
b. Oversight and coordination to irrigation sub-sector entities and agencies;
107.
2 Development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their
own needs
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DRAFT NATIONAL IRRIGATION POLICY, 2015
c. Collaborate and liaise with other agencies involved in irrigation development at
local, regional and international levels;
d. Formulation of sub-sector regulations, standards and guidelines in collaboration
with the county Governments and other relevant stakeholders;
e. Capacity building, coordinate technology and research development;
f. Formulation of National projects and programmes in collaboration with County
governments and other stakeholders.
g. Resource mobilization and financing of the sub-sector;
h. In consultation with County governments , develop a National Irrigation Master
plan, Investment plan and respective Strategic plans;
i. Establish a national Irrigation and Drainage Management Information System
(IDMIS);
j. Monitoring and evaluation of irrigation sub-sector performance.
k. undertake regulatory function for the sub-sector including conflict resolution
mechanisms to deal with irrigation disputes.
l. Support in building the capacity of Irrigation Water Users Associations in
consultation and collaboration with the counties
3.4.2 Mandate of the County Irrigation Development Unit
Each County government shall establish a County Irrigation Development Unit
(CIDU). This unit will be under the county ministry responsible for irrigation and
answerable to the County Governor but have clear linkages to the National
government and other stakeholders. The unit shall be responsible for the following
functions:
a. Implement irrigation policy at the county level as per its mandate;
b. Formulate and implement county irrigation strategy in collaboration with relevant
stakeholders, in line with national policies and strategies;
c. Develop and maintain an irrigation database and integrate systematic monitoring
and evaluation of the sub-sector development at the county;
d. Provide technical (surveys, designs, supervision of construction), financial and
other support services for the development of the irrigation sub-sector;
e. Identify community-based smallholder schemes for implementation in line with
national guidelines.
f. Mainstream irrigation related statutory obligations such as environmental, water
and health;
g. Rehabilitation of existing irrigation schemes within the counties;
h. Capacity build farmers and support establishment of viable farmer organizations
to develop and manage irrigation schemes including actively participating in
conflicts resolution within irrigation schemes;
i. Set up measures to implement adaptation and mitigation to climate change, and
enhance sustainable environmental management;
108.
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DRAFT NATIONAL IRRIGATION POLICY, 2015
j. Implementation of the regulatory function in line with national standards
3.4.3. Mandate of the National Irrigation Development Service (NIDS)
At the national level, an institution known as the National Irrigation
Development Service (NIDS) with a mandate to facilitate irrigation development in
the whole country will be established. The key responsibilities of NIDS will be to:
a. In consultation with County governments, spearhead implementation of the
irrigation policy, guidelines and standards;
b. In consultation with County governments, plan, design, construct and manage
large strategic food security irrigation projects;
c. Plan, design and construct irrigation projects that cut across water basins and
international boundaries
d. Monitoring and evaluation of irrigation activities and their impacts;
e. Mainstream irrigation related statutory obligations such as environmental, water
and health;
f. Support capacity building of farmers and establishment of relevant farmer
organizations for irrigation development in collaboration with the County
governments ;
g. Implement the National irrigation master plan and investment plans
h. Provide technical advisory and other support services in irrigation;
i. Advising and overseeing the operation and management of strategic irrigation
projects;
j. In consultation with County governments , maintain an information system on
irrigation development and management;
k. Integrate irrigation in water harvesting and storage projects in collaboration with
relevant other government institutions
109.
3.4.4. Mandate of Irrigation and Drainage Research Center (IDRC)
An institution known as the Irrigation and Drainage Research Center (IDRC) will
be established within the Water Resource Management Research Institute, established
under KALRO to undertake research on irrigation development in collaboration with
the county Governments and other stake holders. The specific mandate of IDRC will
be;
a. Hydrological research for application in irrigation development
b. Carry out modeling and simulation studies, innovations and technology
adaptations and dissemination of the research results and innovations
c. Seek research and innovations advances in irrigated agriculture for improved
productivity and quality standards;
d. Promote international cooperation in irrigation research and information
e. Promote linkages between research, extension and farmers for effective adoption
of technological packages.
110.
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DRAFT NATIONAL IRRIGATION POLICY, 2015
f. Monitor and evaluate irrigation projects with regard to the effectiveness of the
technologies and impacts they have on beneficiaries
g. Development of manuals, publications and other training materials for Capacity
building;
h. Promote initiatives to encourage various stakeholders to invest in science and
technology and related businesses;
i. Promote coordinated and regulated research and technology development for
irrigation sub-sector to gain from emerging knowledge.
j. Identify research priority areas in collaboration with the County Governments
and other stakeholders.
3.4.5. Mandate of an Irrigation Development Fund
(IDF)
At the national level an Irrigation Development Fund (IDF) shall be established to
facilitate the development of irrigation sub-sector. The funds for the IDF will be
drawn from the government, development partners and other stakeholders for the
following purpose:
a. Support development, repairs, maintenance, improvement and rehabilitation of
irrigation infrastructure.
b. Support irrigation research and innovation
c. Provide grants and loans for development and/or expansion of smallholder
irrigation schemes.
d. Development partners will be encouraged to channel their financial support
through the IDF
111.
3.4.6 Mandate of the Irrigation Development Training Center ( IDTC)
There has been a tendency to view capacity-building from the narrow perspective
of training that merely concerns impartation of knowledge. This alone is inadequate
for effective and sustainable irrigation and drainage development; hence the need to
pay attention to building of skills and attitude change for sustainable development of
the sub-sector. Long-term investment in capacity building of the sub-sector actors and
the development of relevant institution will translate to effective and efficient
implementation of the sub sector mandate to achieve the planned objectives. There is
therefore need to establish an Irrigation and Drainage Training Center (IDTC) for
human resource development targeting all cadres of stakeholders in irrigation
development. The specific mandate of IDTC will be;
a. Identify key training priority areas for the sub-sector in collaboration with the
county Government and other relevant stakeholders;
b. Development of training curricula in collaboration
with the county
Government and other relevant stakeholders;
c. Undertake scheduled training in collaboration with relevant stakeholders;
d. Assessment of the impact of training through monitoring and evaluation;
112.
33
DRAFT NATIONAL IRRIGATION POLICY, 2015
e. Revision of the training modules in collaboration with relevant stakeholders;
f. Set linkages with relevant professional bodies (IEK,ERB) , universities and other
training institutions for improved staff development;
g. Create a data bank in collaboration with other stakeholders to facilitate
planning of appropriate institutional programs;
h. Establish mechanisms for information sharing amongst share holders; and
i. Keep pace in technology changes and ensure continuous staff development
through regular review of Training Needs and training.
3.4.7. Mandate of the Irrigation Development Training Center (IDTC)
113. Long-term investment in capacity building of the sub-sector actors and the
development of relevant institution will translate to effective and efficient
implementation of the sub sector mandate to achieve the planned objectives. There is
therefore need to establish an Irrigation and Drainage Training Center (IDTC) for
human resource development targeting all cadres of stakeholders in irrigation
development. The specific mandate of IDTC will be;
j. Identify key training priority areas for the sub-sector in collaboration with the
county Government and other relevant stakeholders;
k. Development of training curricula in collaboration
with the county
Government and other relevant stakeholders;
l. Undertake scheduled training in collaboration with relevant stakeholders;
m. Assessment of the impact of training through monitoring and evaluation;
n. Revision of the training modules in collaboration with relevant stakeholders;
o.
Set linkages with relevant professional bodies (IEK,ERB) , universities and
other training institutions for improved staff development;
p. Create a data bank in collaboration with other stakeholders to facilitate
planning of appropriate institutional programs;
q. Establish mechanisms for information sharing amongst stakeholders holders; and
r. Keep pace in technology changes and ensure continuous staff development
through regular review of Training Needs and training.
3.4.8. mandate of the IWUAs and related farmer organizations
114. In a community based irrigation schemes an irrigation Water Users association will
be established for effective participatory development and management of an
irrigation system. They will be required to register with the relevant Government
institutions and legal instruments developed and applied to enforce accountability
and transparency. They will have links to the CIDU, NIDS, IDF and other
stakeholders. Their responsibilities and roles will include the following:
34
DRAFT NATIONAL IRRIGATION POLICY, 2015
a. Resource mobilization from members for the installation, maintenance and
sustainable management of irrigation or drainage facility.
b. Management of operation and maintenance of the irrigation facility for maximum
benefits to members.
c. Facilitate access and ensure effective management of resources for sustainability of
the irrigation scheme.
d. Provide equitable access to irrigation water and drainage to the members.
e. Facilitate access to inputs, financial services, value addition and marketing.
f. Develop and promote group cohesion.
g. Participate in the tendering/contracting process. This will build transparency,
accountability and harmony among the various actors in the schemes.
h. Develop and enforce scheme by laws and strategies to ensure participatory and
representative decision making and management.
i. Establish mechanisms for conflict resolution
j. Develop annual work plans and budgets based on actual needs water acquisition,
fees and other charges for O&M.
k. Capability building for members
3.4.9. Structure and Linkages of the Irrigation sub-sector
Effective coordination and management of the irrigation sub-sector requires
maximum cooperation and linkages among different stakeholders and the
participation of the local communities. This policy will therefore be implemented
taking into account all the related sector actors such as stakeholders in the ministries
of water& environment, industry, energy, devolution & planning, lands, private
sector and civil society at both the county and national levels. This policy will be
guided by national multi-sectoral and multi-agency Intergovernmental Cocoordinating Committee (ICC) cascaded down to each county.
115.
35
DRAFT NATIONAL IRRIGATION POLICY, 2015
Fig 1: LINKAGES IN THE IRRIGATION SECTOR
36
DRAFT NATIONAL IRRIGATION POLICY, 2015
CHAPTER 4:
RESOURCE MOBILIZATION AND FINANCING
4.0 Rationale
Resource mobilization and financing remain major challenge in the development
of the irrigation sub-sector, especially for the smallholder community based irrigation
schemes. While the liberalization of the financial sector, removal of price controls and
marketing restrictions opened doors for farmers to obtain credit and access niche
markets, it also resulted in unpredictable costs of inputs, machinery, and labour, thus
reducing profitability to farmers. The role envisaged by the Constitution for the
National Government as a facilitator of development, encourages shared
responsibility between the National government, County governments and amongst
the key sub-sector investment players. Since irrigation is a strategic sub-sector, it is
important that funding for major infrastructural development remains the
responsibility of the National Government while the County Governments will be
responsible for small holder irrigation schemes. This raises the need for the
government to formulate and implement strategies that encourage increased
investment by development partners, private sector and communities.
116.
4.1. Situation Analysis
4.1.1. Public sector financing
Public sector investment in irrigation development in Kenya is low. Of the total
funding to irrigation, the Government contribution is about 70%. For example, the
budgetary provision to the irrigation sub-sector in 2013/2014 was Ksh.9.6 billion,
which is below the sector requirements estimated at KSh.40 billion annually to meet
the targets of Vision 2030. Funding to support the sector is therefore inadequate and
dispersed across several organizations, making it difficult to coordinate planning,
development, operations and management. The inadequate funding has resulted in
slow growth of the sub-sector.
117.
4.1.2. Financial and Credit Services
Although the country has a relatively well developed banking system, financing
and access to credit for irrigation development remains challenge. The risks associated
with the farming business, complicated land laws and water rights makes financing of
the irrigation sub-sector a risky business. Banks charge high interest rates and the rural
areas have few financial institutions making administration of loans difficult and
expensive, especially for smallholders. Some micro credit and savings institutions,
including cooperative societies, support financing of sub-sector but the terms and
conditions for most of them have unfavorable restrictions, such as group financing.
118.
37
DRAFT NATIONAL IRRIGATION POLICY, 2015
There is need therefore to support the financial sector to adopt innovative ways to
provide new and better services to irrigation sub-sector.
4.1.3. Development assistance, grants and loans
Development partners are key sources of investment and financing for irrigation.
However, their assistance is difficult to predict and sustain. This raises the need to
structure project planning and implementation to enhance local ownership,
participation and up-scaling even as finance is sought from external sources.
119.
4.1.4. Private sector financing
The private sector has potential to finance irrigation development, operations and
maintenance. The sector has successfully financed development of irrigated export
horticulture. However, poor physical infrastructure, inadequate water, bureaucracy
and socio-economic issues are challenges that need to be addressed to enable
effective resource mobilisation by private sector.
120.
4.1.5. Farmer Financing
In the past, farmers have relied mainly on government financing for major
irrigation infrastructure development. They have however been contributing in kind
(unskilled labour and local materials) and in Operations & Maintenance. Potential
therefore
exists for farmers to also contribute financially towards irrigation
infrastructure development from their accrued benefits.
121.
4.1.7. Emerging opportunities for financing
Kenya is signatory to regional and international agreements, which facilitate trade
and development. She is also a signatory to International protocols and Conventions
that calls on the member states to take measures to increase budgetary and financial
allocations for increasing food production and eliminating poverty.
122.
4.2. Specific Policy Objectives
There is need for increased Government budgetary allocation, financing and
investments by private sector, development partners, farmers and other stakeholders
to facilitate sustainable development of the sector.
123.
4.3. Policy Statements
4.3.1. Public Funding
The national government will continue to fund irrigation development especially
where a large capital outlay is required (large and strategic schemes) while the county
124.
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DRAFT NATIONAL IRRIGATION POLICY, 2015
Governments in close liaison with the National Government will mobilise resources
for small holder irrigation development.
Government will increase funding for irrigation to at least 5% of the annual
national budget as part of the pledge during the Maputo Declaration known as
Comprehensive Africa Agricultural Development Programme (CAADP).
125.
4.3.2. Development Partners Financing/Technical Cooperation
Financing for irrigation through development assistance by stakeholders will be
encouraged and frameworks for implementation developed.
126.
An Irrigation Development Fund (IDF) shall be established as a basket fund to
manage development funds through the NIDS as the implementing agency or IWUAs
as the beneficiaries.
127.
This provision will cater for the part of funding for government funded schemes
or schemes supported from external sources. Private scheme financing and
collaboration/relationship will be guided by the agreement between the various
parties.
128.
The National government can also go into bilateral/multilateral arrangements
with external donors on specific irrigation activities
129.
The National Government will channel external assistance funds from external
donors (Loans and Grants) through IDF to the scheme level.
130.
4.3.3. Beneficiary participation in financing of Irrigation
Mechanisms for beneficiary financing of irrigation infrastructure development and
O&M will be developed .Legal frameworks will be developed to enhance the
contribution of beneficiaries to irrigation financing (cost sharing and cost recovery
mechanisms) and to ensure that infrastructure and requisite irrigation support facilities
are in place. Irrigation Schemes shall develop annual work plans and budgets based
on actual needs, water acquisition, fees and other charges for O&M.
131.
Farmer organizations and water user groups engaged in resource mobilization for
irrigation will be legally required to register with the relevant Government
institutions and legal instruments developed and applied to enforce accountability
and transparency.
132.
39
DRAFT NATIONAL IRRIGATION POLICY, 2015
Farmers will be empowered to be part of the tendering/contracting process. This
will build transparency, accountability and harmony among the various actors in the
schemes.
133.
4.3.4. Emerging Sources of Financing
Stakeholders will be encouraged to take advantage of new and emerging
opportunities for resource mobilization at global, regional, national and local levels.
134.
Legal and regulatory frameworks will be developed and revised regularly to
accommodate the adoption and adaptation of emerging financing issues and
opportunities.
135.
4.3.5. Smart Incentives for Irrigation Development
Government will provide and support targeted “smart‟‟ incentives such as
insurance, creating a supportive investment climate and providing smart subsidies for
special groups (e.g. pastoralists) and for accelerated irrigation development.
136.
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DRAFT NATIONAL IRRIGATION POLICY, 2015
CHAPTER 5:
DEVELOPMENT, OPERATIONS AND MANAGEMENT
5.0 Rationale
Irrigation can support rapid implementation and realization of the Constitution
(COK-2010) and Vision 2030. The main contribution will be enhancement of food
security, employment creation, incomes generation and provision of raw materials
for industrial growth.
137.
Kenya‟s Vision 2030 has listed “Increasing the amount of irrigated land” among
the eight challenges for the water sector. The Agricultural Sector Development
Strategy for 2009-2020 (ASDS) has also listed “improvement of water management
and irrigation development” as a strategic requirement for building a dynamic
agricultural sector.
138.
Supportive
infrastructure,
crop
handling
and
processing
facilities,
telecommunication, transport and social amenities are needed to enable
development of irrigated agriculture. Sustainable irrigation development is dependent
on effective operations and maintenance and institutional effectiveness. The legal,
regulatory and institutional arrangements are also necessary for successful and
sustainable development.
139.
5.1. Situation Analysis
5.1.1. Water for irrigation
Kenya has limited natural endowment of renewable fresh water, estimated at 21
billion cubic meters (m3), 50% of which is shared in trans-boundary basins. The per
capita annual fresh water availability is projected to fall to 235 m3 by 2025 with
human population increase. Water availability is mainly concentrated in the country‟s
five water towers and Lake Victoria regions but deforestation of catchment areas,
human settlements and recurrent droughts have adversely affected hydrological
sustainability.
140.
The bulk of Kenya‟s renewable water resources are derived from an average
annual rainfall volume of 354 billion m3, translating to an annual runoff of 20 billion
m3, of which only 4.7 billion m3 is used annually. The bulk of this runoff potential
(15 billion cubic meters) remains un-utilized, while about 40% of renewable fresh
water has potential for development. The remaining 60% may be required for
maintenance of the ecosystems besides being a reserve for future development. The
country‟s safe yield of surface water has been assessed to be 7.4 billion m3 per
annum while that of groundwater is about one billion m3 per annum.
141.
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DRAFT NATIONAL IRRIGATION POLICY, 2015
The main sources of water for irrigation in Kenya include rivers, streams, lakes and
ground water. Surface water sources account for 86% and groundwater 14%. The
country has about 4,100 small dams and water pans giving a total water storage
capacity of 184 million m3 for all uses, equivalent to 5.3 m3 per capita per year. This
is among the lowest water storage rates in the world and is equivalent to only 3
months use. Thus, if the country does not receive rains for only three months, it
experiences famine, lacks water for irrigation and faces power rationing.
142.
Water storage in large dams is mainly used for hydro-power generation and
urban water supplies. Generally, irrigation was not considered in the development of
the existing water reservoirs, partly due to inadequate integration of multipurpose
use of water storage infrastructure.
143.
Of the available ground water resources, the total safe abstraction rate is about
193 million m3 out of which only about 1% of available total is used for irrigation,
mostly by private firms. The ASALs which are in most need of irrigation are poorly
served by streams, rivers and lakes. Further, the annual rainfall, even in the driest
parts of the country remains an untapped water source which could be used for
irrigation if it were harvested and stored. Therefore, the scarcity of irrigation water in
Kenya has more to do with failure to develop available resources than absolute lack
of water.
144.
5.1.2 Irrigation Infrastructure Development
The total area developed for irrigated agriculture stood at 161,840 Ha in 2013
against a potential of 1,341,900 Ha. These accounts for over 11% of the total
irrigation potential. The irrigation development progress and distribution is in both
public and private irrigation schemes is as shown.
145.
The governance and management structures of public schemes are often weak
resulting in poorly maintained and inefficient irrigation systems. This has led to
underutilization of existing production potential and narrow crop/enterprise base.
The public schemes have also tended to over depend on the exchequer for O&M as
there inadequate sustainable self-financing mechanisms. In some instances there have
been conflicts associated with political interference in operations and maintenance of
schemes.
146.
The privately-owned individual or firms generally employ modern and efficient
irrigation technology and have diversified enterprises with high levels value addition
integration with specific market-focus. The development of this category of schemes is
often constrained by land tenure rights which include incomplete adjudication,
registration and leases. In addition access to water rights due to high fees chargeable
147.
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DRAFT NATIONAL IRRIGATION POLICY, 2015
by WRMA and inadequate incentives for harnessing water resources have constrained
investment in irrigation development.
The community based smallholder schemes experience challenges of poor farmer
mobilization and participation; weak IWUAs; poor governance; inadequate resources
for system development and maintenance; lack of legal and regulatory framework;
limited support from Government and other service providers; and, land tenure
especially in the ASAL areas.
148.
5.1.3 Expansion of irrigation and infrastructure development
Irrigation development includes opening new lands, expansion and rehabilitation
existing irrigation schemes. It also entail improving the productivity of irrigated
enterprises, diversification and value addition, all of which require a level of
infrastructure development. At current investment rates, the country has been
achieving a growth rate of less than 5%, equivalent to about 5,000 ha per year of
additional irrigated area. This is as result of low financing levels in the sector. This
growth rate is compared to the target of an average of 40,000 ha per year, needed
to meet the requirements set in Vision 2030. The development of irrigation requires
setting up which is costly and has been the role of the Government especially major
engineering works. The private sector, including individual farmers and NGOs, has
also facilitated infrastructure development, especially for farm-level equipment.
149.
5.1.3. Agricultural water harvesting and storage
Irrigation schemes have suffered from recurrent water shortages due to
inadequate investments in water harvesting and storage. Though farmers are willing
to expand their irrigated areas, they have been constrained by in- adequate water
and high cost of infrastructure. Co-ordination of water harvesting and storage within
and across ministries and other institutions remains a critical gap, due to lack of a
clear mechanism for co-ordination
150.
Cities and urban centers compete with agriculture for water. These same cities and
urban areas concentrate large volumes of water during the rains which drains to
various water ways unused. Furthermore they produce large quantities of waste
water which is likewise is disposed off through water courses.
151.
5.1.4. Land Tenure
152. Land tenure and land use have implication for irrigation development. Major
challenges constraining the sector development are insecurity of tenure, land use
conflict and uneconomic land fragmentation. In some areas unused and isolated large
parcels of land exist making it costly to develop group based irrigation schemes. In
43
DRAFT NATIONAL IRRIGATION POLICY, 2015
addition, lack of mechanisms to secure way leave to water sources, storage and
conveyance systems have constrained development.
5.1.5. Operations and maintenance
Operations, management and maintenance of irrigation require expertise and
finances. This role has been undertaken by the Government through the National
Irrigation Board (NIB) especially in the public schemes. However, since the late
1990s, the Irrigation Management Transfer (IMT) has been implemented in public
schemes to facilitate the gradual transfer of O&M responsibilities. In the smallholder
irrigation schemes, O&M has been the responsibility of the farmers through their
respective IWUAs.
153.
5.1.6. Agricultural enterprises in irrigated agriculture
The ASDS envisions strategic agricultural development to be “innovative,
commercially-oriented and modern agriculture sector”. ASDS has identified among
others, the improvement of water management and irrigation development
especially for development of Northern Kenya and ASALs as necessary interventions
for crops, livestock, fisheries and urban and peri-urban agriculture.
154.
5.1.7. Value addition, marketing and commercialization
Kenya is uniquely placed to take advantage of expanding the domestic, regional
and international markets. Due to diverse agro-ecological zones in the country, a
wide range of temperate, tropical, and sub-tropical products can be produced. But
40% of agricultural production in Kenya is lost through poor post-harvest handling
and storage. Value addition reduces these losses and has the potential of providing
producers with income generating opportunities.
155.
5.1.8. Environmental issues
Irrigation development has environmental implications on the soil, flora, fauna
and human ecosystems which can have long-term impacts. Safeguards mechanisms
must therefore be instituted in new and existing schemes.
156.
A major challenge for Kenya is the continued dwindling of the forest cover which
currently stands as 2% of total land. This has been due to unplanned excision of
forest land for settlements and excessive harvesting of trees without replanting of
forests. This has resulted in loss of catchment protection, increased soil erosion,
flooding, and generally, hydrological imbalances. Whereas irrigation usually targets
areas devoid of forest cover, the impact of the sector has been, and should be
generally positive towards increasing agro - forestry and especially fruit trees. This is
especially crucial for the sustainability of hydrological balance in water catchment
areas, from which irrigation water is obtained.
157.
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DRAFT NATIONAL IRRIGATION POLICY, 2015
5.1.9. Public Health and Sanitation
The issues of disease and pest control in agriculture, including irrigation, are
covered by several laws namely; Animal Diseases Act Chapter 364 of Laws of Kenya,
Rabies Act Cap 365, Cattle Cleansing Act Cap 358 and Meat Control Act Cap 356
and Fertilizer and Animal Foodstuff‟s Act, Cap 345, Fisheries Act among others. All
these laws have implications on irrigation, particularly the Public Health Act, Cap 242
and the Malaria Prevention Act, Cap 246, since irrigated agriculture has a tendency to
increase water-borne diseases such as malaria, bilharzia and typhoid. The control of
pollution of water bodies and the prevention of water-related hazards are among the
key functions of the Ministry of Environment ,Water and Natural Resources About
24 million hectares of Kenya‟s land is dominated by saline and sodic soils and about
40% of these areas are in ASALs, requiring special attention if irrigation is developed.
158.
5.1.10. Standards and quality control
Currently, the irrigation sector does not have harmonized and domesticated
design standards, codes of practice and quality parameters leading to use of materials,
goods, equipment, machinery of varied characteristics not subjected to any quality
compliance controls. Quality control and standards are governed by several
organizations. The Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) is the national standards body.
Other key institutions that address quality control standards with a major bearing on
irrigation include KEPHIS, the Pesticides Control Products Board, National
Environmental Management Authority (NEMA), Water Services Regulatory Board
(WSRB) and the Pharmacy and Poisons Board. As the bulk of irrigated produce is
exported, the observance of quality control has implications for the export markets
which have become stringent on issues of traceability, safety, sanitary and
phytosanitary standards and maximum residue limits (MRL). Compliance on produce
quality, technological, social and environmental standards demands that requisite
quality controls are observed.
159.
5.2. Specific Policy Objectives
The Policy objective is to achieve physical expansion of irrigated areas,
rehabilitation of existing ones, improved productivity of irrigated lands, enterprise
diversification and attainment of high quality standards in production and outputs.
160.
5.3. Policy Statements
5.3.1 Water for Irrigation Development
The national and county Governments, working with stakeholders, will mobilize
and provide resources and support improvement, rehabilitation and development of
sustainable water harvesting and storage sources.
161.
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DRAFT NATIONAL IRRIGATION POLICY, 2015
Irrigation development will be informed by stakeholder participation and
multiple-use water systems. Irrigation developments will adopt integrated water
resources management (IWRM) to reduce water conflicts and concurrently comply
with the environment management plans (EMPs) as integral services to beneficiaries
and ecosystems.
162.
Irrigation will support the development and adoption of agricultural water
management (AWM) strategy. Irrigation Water Users‟ Associations and farmer groups
will be empowered to enforce regulations that promote AWM and efficient
utilization of water.
163.
5.3.2 Irrigation Infrastructure Development
The national and county Governments, working with stakeholders, will mobilize
and provide resources and support development and rehabilitation of sustainable
irrigation infrastructure. The target area of 40,000 ha per year of new and
rehabilitated irrigable area is envisaged.
164.
The national and county Governments will continue to support public
investments in the development irrigation and support private initiatives through the
IDF and other smart incentives. This will include incentives for private sector investing
in water harvesting and storage for irrigation, subsidy and taxes on irrigation
equipment and machinery among others. In addition, in order to develop long-term
resilience against drought and famines, the government will give special attention to
the development of water harvesting, storage and irrigation especially in ASAL areas.
Further, both the national and county Governments will support pro-poor approach
by mainstreaming gender and vulnerable groups through targeted smart incentives,
subsides and effective credit support for irrigation development.
165.
The County Government in collaboration with the national Government and
other stakeholders will increase investments in storm water harvesting and storage in
cities and urban areas and in recycling of waste water for use in irrigated agriculture
in urban and peri-urban areas in accordance with the existing legal and regulatory
framework.
166.
Government will facilitate the development and rehabilitation of supporting
infrastructure through stakeholder contribution and local ownership.
167.
Taking into account allocation of functions to national and county governments
by the Constitution 2010 relating both agriculture and irrigation development; the
168.
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DRAFT NATIONAL IRRIGATION POLICY, 2015
institutional roles and mandates established in the policy; and financial and technical
capacities of the various institutions; the development of irrigation infrastructure
shall be undertaken as follows:
scale
irrigation Scheme Category by
size
Level of Government
and agencey responsible
for implementation
1. Large
public,
Transboundary
and
smallholder schemes of over 3,000
Ha
NIDS in collaboration
with
county
Governments
2. Micium
Public and smallholder irrigation
schemes 500 – 3,000 Ha;
Transboundary Schemes
3. Small
NIDs in collaboration
with
the
county
Government
Public and smallholder irrigation
schemes 500 – 3,000 Ha;
Trans-county Schemes
NIDs in collaboration
with
the
County
Government
Public and smallholder irrigation
schemes 500 – 3,000 Ha;
Within County Schemes
NIDs in collaboration
with
the
county
Government
Public and smallholder up to 500
ha
CIDU
The National Government in collaboration with county government and
stakeholders will put in place a national inventory and resource assessment for the
sub-sector, and develop databases for planning and design.
169.
Irrigation Development will be informed by stakeholder participation and Multiuse water systems. Irrigation development will adopt an integrated water resource
management and concurrently comply with the environmental management plans
for maximum benefits
170.
5.3.6. Operations and maintenance (O&M)
For the public irrigation schemes the policy proposes gradual handing over of
O&M responsibility to IWUAs in consultation with the County governments and will
be implemented under agreed timeframe and agreed terms and conditions.
171.
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DRAFT NATIONAL IRRIGATION POLICY, 2015
The National Government will support County Governments in the development
and rehabilitation of smallholder irrigation schemes with sustainable incentives and
enabling environment, particularly the initial investment in irrigation infrastructure
and institutionalization of IWUAs and building their capacity.
172.
Private and commercial firms will be encouraged to offer O&M services and
upgrading of the systems at agreed terms with IWUAs.
173.
The Government will formulate the irrigation standards, codes of practice and
quality assurance for the sector.
174.
The participation of farmers will be promoted at all stages of irrigation
development. A legal framework for IWUA operations will be developed and
modalities for the leasing, management or full transfer of the assets to IWUAs.
175.
IWUAs will institute by-laws, register with the relevant authorities and shall
observe the principles of good governance, accountability and transparency in
managing the irrigation schemes.
176.
The Government, in collaboration with development partners and key
stakeholders, will encourage and promote gender equity and support gender
mainstreaming in irrigation development, operations and management.
177.
5.3.3. Land Tenure
Stable and clear land tenure and land use is critical for the development of
irrigation schemes especially those that cut across counties or may be developed using
external resources and national input is required or is a condition for financing. The
Government will review land tenure and use systems to provide adequate security to
encourage investment in land improvement, development and productivity,
minimize conflicts and encourage lease arrangements for private and corporate
investment for irrigation development.
178.
The Government will ensure that irrigation concerns will be entrenched within the
proposed National Land Use policy, National spatial plans and the National Land
Commission3.
179.
3
Constitution: Article 67.(2) Functions of National Land Commission “(a) manage public land” which
includes “all rivers, lakes and other water bodies”, Article 62(1)(i)
48
DRAFT NATIONAL IRRIGATION POLICY, 2015
Government will enact appropriate legal instruments to access land and emerging
water sources including way-leaves for various cadres of irrigators under different
land tenure systems. This process should be undertaken in a manner that minimizes
the adverse effects of land acquisition, including changes in lifestyles in ASALs, for
irrigation development and improves the livelihoods of affected communities.
180.
5.3.4. Coping with Climate Change
The current reliance on rain fed conditions for agriculture production cannot meet
the country‟s demand for food and raw materials of agricultural origin due to the
impact of climate change. Food shortages in the last decade and closure of once
vibrant cotton factories have been occasioned by decline in agricultural productivity
as a result of scarcity of rainfall and land due to transfer of land for human
settlements and infrastructure.
181.
The Government, in collaboration with various stakeholders, will advocate for
irrigation, water harvesting and storage and also address the issue of emerging pests
and diseases as important coping and adaptation strategies against climate change
and its impacts. Appropriate measures will be identified and strategies implemented
for climate change preparedness and mitigation.
182.
Efforts by public and private sector organizations to address climate change will
be supported and capacity built among various stakeholders.
183.
5.3.5. Agricultural enterprises
Irrigation will be used to increase the production, productivity and diversification
of agricultural enterprises and up-scaling food security initiatives. Irrigation of food
crops, including major staples like maize and legumes will be promoted.
184.
The Government will support the irrigated agriculture sector by negotiating for
better and more competitive markets abroad, and assist smallholder farmers attain
the requisite standards and facilities to access export markets.
185.
Irrigation development will be driven by the strategic vision to be “innovative,
commercially-oriented and modern sector”, and will be responsive and adaptive of
new and emerging crops, livestock, and innovations in technology, agronomic
practices and the full value chain that impacts on and/or is impacted by the irrigation.
186.
The Government will encourage the integration of livestock in irrigation systems,
in a manner that is complimentary and productive.
187.
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DRAFT NATIONAL IRRIGATION POLICY, 2015
Government will promote and support urban and peri-urban irrigated agriculture
in conformity with existing regulations.
188.
5.3.6. Environment and Health
Irrigation using treated waste water4 and the recycling of irrigation tail waters,
including use of low quality water, will be supported as long as there will be no
adverse effects on human, crop, livestock and ecosystems as certified by the relevant
authorities.
190. Development of irrigation shall comply with environmental protection
requirements to ensure ecosystem integrity, agro biodiversity and environmental
conservation.
189.
Development of irrigation shall institute measures to reduce the incidence of
water-borne and water-related diseases, and take public health issues into
consideration.
191.
Irrigation programmes shall observe prevention and control of water pollution
and promote safe use of agrochemicals and water.
192.
All irrigation developments will undertake assessments for salinity of the soil
profile and irrigation waters and be certified by relevant authorized agency.
193.
Conservation of catchment areas and water sources will be promoted by
providing support to forestry and agro forestry practices and upholding of silvicultural measures.
194.
The Government will regulate the sector, to protect the citizens against harmful
emerging products and technologies, and to facilitate testing and safety control
before new products and technologies are released to the public.
196. The National Government shall develop , harmonize and domesticate relevant
designs standards ,code of practice and quality parameters in consultation with
relevant stakeholders
195.
5.3.7. Value addition and Marketing
Government will support the improvement of linkages for irrigated agriculture
from production to value addition and to markets by ensuring quality control, and
enabling farmers‟ access information on markets and technologies. Incentives will be
developed to encourage private sector investments in infrastructure and equipment
197.
4
In the context of this policy, as a working definition, wastewater is assumed to be a combination of
some or all of the fluids in the next article, sub-section (g) below.
50
DRAFT NATIONAL IRRIGATION POLICY, 2015
for agro-processing and value adding of irrigated produce, the supply of inputs,
services, technology and the development of trading centers by developing services
such as roads, power and water supply and security.
Government will support the commercialization of irrigated agriculture through
introduction of light industries in rural areas, in collaboration with various
stakeholders. Regulatory structures will be developed to protect farmers from undue
exploitation by brokers, middlemen and to improve the business orientation of
irrigated agriculture.
198.
Private and commercial actors will be encouraged to invest in irrigation. Largescale commercial farms will be encouraged to take up a leading role in value
addition, processing and marketing of produce to take advantage of their economies
of scale in promoting agricultural industrialization.
199.
51
DRAFT NATIONAL IRRIGATION POLICY, 2015
CHAPTER 6:
CAPACITY BUILDING
6.0 Rationale
The Constitution in Article 190 (1) expects technical support in terms of human
resource needs to be provided according to the differential needs of the counties.
These will include agricultural and irrigation staff. Efforts will be made to maintain a
pool of qualified technical staff at the national and county levels to provide technical,
advisory, research and training services. Provision will be made for outsourcing some
technical services from the private sector while IDD will provide supervisory,
monitoring and quality control services.
200.
There is no centralized or targeted training and research for the sub sector
development. The core funding for human resource capacity development is also
limited and has been left to universities and other institutions whose mandates and
areas of focus are at times different. This has led to the sector suffering from limited
adoption of research, innovation, science and technology resulting in low
productivity and poor performance.
201.
Capacity building for the stakeholders within the sector is urgently needed to cater
for all cadres of personnel including farmers. The use of research, science and
technology should be upgraded through institutional arrangements that are dedicated
to irrigation with targeted budgetary allocations and engagement with development
partners and the private sector for irrigation development.
202.
6.1. Situation Analysis
6.1.1. Promoting science and technology in irrigation
Vision 2030 recognizes the role of science, technology and innovation in a
modern economy. It acknowledges that new knowledge plays a central role in
wealth creation, social welfare and international competitiveness. Although
universities, public institutions, NGOs and private sector have developed technologies
for smallholder irrigators, the adoption by farmers has been on a trial and error basis.
The large scale commercial irrigated farms utilize modern technologies and highly
scientific methods of production. However, public and smallholder irrigation suffers
weak linkages with science and technology, extension and education. Although
Kenya has a well-developed agricultural research infrastructure, there are inadequate
research extension packages and linkages.
203.
52
DRAFT NATIONAL IRRIGATION POLICY, 2015
6.1.2. Research and innovation
196 Research and innovation in irrigation are essential if the country is to achieve
its long-term development targets. However, the sector is inadequately served by
research, lacking a centralized institution with specific mandate for research in
irrigation and the water sector in general. The existing national research institutes
such as KALRO, KEFRI, KEMRI and KIRDI are parastatal organizations established
under the Science and Technology (Amendment) Act of 1979, with specific mandates
for their respective professions. However, only limited research on irrigation is being
undertaken by KALRO, KEWI and NIB. The national universities and international
research centres also conduct research in irrigation, but their focus is guided mostly by
their own institutional agendas. Thus, there is no institution in Kenya with adequate
capacity and dedicated mandate to conduct research in irrigation. There is also no
functional consultative mechanism between
National and County levels for
coordinating the identification of the research agenda priorities.
204.
6.1.3. Technical Training
Kenya lacks a dedicated technical training institution for irrigation. Training is
indirectly offered through units within the curricula of other degree programmes of
various universities. Formerly, the Ministry of Agriculture used to offer dedicated
training on irrigation at Diploma and Certificate level, but nearly all these colleges
have been upgraded to university status. Farmer training institutions belong to
respective counties after the devolution of the extension function and rarely focus on
irrigation. There is thus a shortage of training institutions for building the capacity of
the irrigation sub-sector and where institutional memory can be built.
205.
6.1.4. Capacity Building for Farmers
Currently, farmer training is provided through extension services by the MOA,
NGOs and in some cases by private sector in out-grower schemes. IDD also trains
irrigators on water management as part of its core mandate. Even with all these
initiatives, it has not been possible to build effective capacity amongst farmers in
irrigation farming.
206.
6.1.5. Information and Knowledge Management Systems
207. Information and knowledge management is a key asset in the modern world for
rapid economic development. The creation of a proactive knowledge centre requires
hardware, software, personnel and the resources to gather the knowledge, process
and disseminate it to intended users. Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and
remote sensing facilities are necessary in knowledge centres dealing with earth
resources including irrigation. GIS databases of irrigation in Kenya have been made
through disjointed efforts. Thus, information on the irrigators and all the relevant
53
DRAFT NATIONAL IRRIGATION POLICY, 2015
information pertaining to irrigation is not consolidated and updated in a central
inventory.
6.2. Specific Policy Objectives
208. This Policy aims at building human resource capacity for modern irrigated
agriculture and to enhance its sustainability through the utilization of innovation,
research, science and technology in improving the productivity and performance of
the sector.
6.3. Policy Statements
6.3.1. Science and Technology
201. The Government will support investments and promotion of science and
technology in irrigated agriculture to positively respond to national and international
demands for improved quantity and quality of products from irrigation.
202. Farmers will be trained and encouraged to adopt modern, scientific and innovative
practices and appropriate technologies for increased productivity.
203. The Government will provide incentives to encourage various stakeholders to
invest in science and technology and establish stronger linkages with farmers, for the
entire value chain of irrigated agriculture.
The government will pursue business models that embrace innovation and modern
technology transfer including adoption of ICT in their operations.
6.3.2. Research and innovation
204. The National government in collaboration and consultation with County
Governments will through the IDRC promote coordinated and regulated research
and technology development for irrigation, to gain from new and emerging
knowledge.
205. Government will promote the participation of various stakeholders in research and
innovation in order to take advantage of opportunities in access to knowledge and
linkages to drive sector growth. It will also undertake measures geared towards the
strengthening of the capacities of existing research institutions to handle irrigation
related research.
206. As urban areas grow, additional volumes of water are supplied by municipal
authorities in an attempt to meet water needs, thus decreasing supply for irrigation.
This results in a proportional increase in wastewater that can be treated and recycled
54
DRAFT NATIONAL IRRIGATION POLICY, 2015
for irrigation. Research will be intensified on the quality of this wastewater including
the volume, types of industrial effluents released and dilution with a view to re-use
for irrigation development.
207. In Kenya that has access to sea water, innovative technologies such as desalination,
waste water, geo-thermo etc shall be explored to tap and use for use in irrigation
6.3.3. Supporting Institutions for research and capacity building
208. The Government will establish an Irrigation Development Training Center (IDTC),
restructure and strengthen existing institutions training on irrigation technologies, so
that they become centers of excellence for research, science and technology
development.
209. The Government and its partners will support training in practical aspects of
irrigation scheme development, governance, management and financing.
210. Research will be supported on priority topics related to improving the productivity
and sustainability of the irrigation sector through a dedicated research and training
committee.
6.3.4. Technical Training
211. The National
government in coordination with County governments be
responsible for organizing and developing capacity building for County staff,
managing scholarships offered from external sources and technical assistance from
development partners. However, the county governments will also identify and
undertake capacity building activities and mobilization of resources.
212. The
Government and various stakeholders will support capacity building
programmes for the sector through physical facilities, equipment, curricula
development, training materials and scholarships.
213. In order to provide for continuous training for irrigation personnel to meet the
increasing need for irrigated agriculture, there will be established an Irrigation
Development Training Center (IDTC) under the IDD I for human resource
development targeting all cadres of stakeholders.
214. A framework for capacity building for irrigation will be developed to give guidance
in human resource development and deployment both at national level and county
levels .
55
DRAFT NATIONAL IRRIGATION POLICY, 2015
215. Field-level training for irrigated agriculture will receive special attention through
introduction of targeted training programmes for farmers, leaders of farmer groups,
IWUAs, cooperatives as well as extension staff.
6.3.5. Knowledge management
The Government in collaboration with the County Government will support
information and knowledge management for irrigation, through the establishment of
a knowledge centre for the sector. The Irrigation and Drainage Management
Information System (IDMIS) will be developed and hosted within the Ministry
responsible for irrigation policy and its implementation.
216.
217. The Government will facilitate a national-level resource assessment for the sector,
using modern tools and methods, and develop databases for planning and design. An
inventory will be developed of all areas identified with irrigation potential and those
under irrigation.
218. Support will also be accorded to an effective innovation system comprising a
network of various stakeholders in order to tap into the growing stock of global
knowledge and adapt it to local needs.
6.3.6. Farmers and staff Capacity Strengthening
219. The government and its partners will support development, management and
implementation of appropriate training programs for technical personnel, farmers
and IWUAs. The programmes will include aspects of irrigation scheme development,
governance, management, and financing among others
220. Support to farmers will not be limited to irrigation water management but will
include training on the use of water in agriculture production and agribusiness along
the whole value chain.
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DRAFT NATIONAL IRRIGATION POLICY, 2015
CHAPTER 7:
MONITORING AND EVALUATION OF POLICY IMPLEMENTATION
221. In order to track the implementation of this policy, it will be essential to record and
measure progress, changes as well as the overall performance of the irrigation sector.
Monitoring and evaluation (M&E) will provide reliable and timely data to inform the
decision makers, stakeholders and the public on progress, results and shortcomings of
the policy implementation. A highly consultative and participatory monitoring and
evaluation process will be adopted to facilitate periodic reviews of the National
Irrigation Policy and its contribution to the national economy. An M&E task force
comprising of National, the County governments and other stakeholders will be
established within the department to ensure M&E provides reliable and timely data
for planning purposes.
222. Monitoring and evaluation units will be established at national and county levels in
the ministries responsible for irrigation. They will be coordinated by the national
Irrigation and Drainage Department in consultation and collaboration with the
County Governments for overall management of the inputs from different data
sources, and also for the analysis of data and elaboration of respective reports from
national and county levels. The coordination units will have their basis in a
partnership between the sector ministries and research institutions, including regular
cooperation and exchange with universities in form of research inputs.
223. The IDD in collaboration with the county governments and other stakeholders will
be responsible for monitoring the implementation of the Policy at the national and
county level to ensure that it is implemented for the benefit of the nation and that its
goals are achieved.
224. The IDD in collaboration with NIDS, CIDUs and other monitoring units will carry
out sample surveys which will provide independent data sources to validate
information flowing from the implementing units.
225. The National Government, in collaboration with other stakeholders will build
capacity to formulate and implement an appropriate and harmonised monitoring
and evaluation system in all the development, management and research
programmes within the sector.
57
DRAFT NATIONAL IRRIGATION POLICY, 2015
CHAPTER 8:
IMPLEMENTATION FRAMEWORK FOR THE POLICY
226. The policy 2015 has a ten years period and proposes major strategies and activities
to be undertaken in the sector for the policy implementation. Kenya Shillings 1.5
billion per year in the initial period of 3 years would be needed to undertake
irrigation reforms. The National government in collaboration with County
governments and other stakeholders will review this the policy after five years to
respond to emerging development and implementation issues. Thereafter the policy
will be reviewed as may be necessary.
227. The National governments in consultation with County governments, the Attorney-
General, Commission on the Implementation of the Constitution, the sector InterGovernmental Technical Committee and other relevant parliamentary committees
and sectoral agencies will set out a legal and regulatory framework for the
implementation of this policy. The envisaged framework shall feed into the wider
establishment of new institutions, review and re-organize the existing institutions and
other mechanisms to operationalize this policy, repeal the current Irrigation Act Cap
347, and create a new, comprehensive legislation called Irrigation Act, 2015,. Further,
the framework will provide for institutional strengthening and capacity building for
effective delivery of irrigation services, including mechanisms for financing the
implementation of the policy. Therefore, this policy and other related instruments
will anchor strategic interventions in an irrigation strategy and investment plan for
the sector.
228. The implementation framework will incorporate an integrated approach, joint
planning and participation of stakeholders. The focus will be addressed through
coordinated programmes and projects. These include: institutional reforms,
operations and maintenance, research and technology development, information
gathering and management, monitoring and evaluation, capacity building and
training, and infrastructural development. This Policy underscores the government‟s
commitment to increase the public-private partnerships (PPP) to strengthen
sustainability of the sector.
229. The National government in collaboration with the County governments undertake
to consolidate and strengthen the renewed working relations with development
partners. Improved sectoral coordination at the national and county level will be
achieved through formal periodic meetings and fora.
230. The National government in consultation with the County governments and other
stakeholders shall develop an irrigation strategy and a five year strategic and
58
DRAFT NATIONAL IRRIGATION POLICY, 2015
investment plan to implement the irrigation policy. County governments may
develop their own specific irrigation strategic and implementation plans in line with
the National strategy and guidelines.
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DRAFT NATIONAL IRRIGATION POLICY, 2015
Table 2: Legal Institutions in the Irrigation Sector
Legal Institutions under the National Irrigation Policy
#
Institution
Roles
1. Coordinates inter-sectoral structures at both national and county government
levels that address irrigation matter
1
Intergovernmental
Coordinating
Committee (ICC)
2
Ministry of Agriculture, 1. Oversee the formulation of irrigation laws and policies, provide sector
regulation, coordination and guidance, and monitoring and evaluation;
Livestock and Fisheries
2.
Appoint officers and carry out other mandates as may be specified in the
(MoALF)
3.
4.
5.
3
MoALF - Irrigation
Development
Directorate (IDD)
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
National Irrigation Act;
Report to Parliament annually, and from time to time as may be necessary, on
the state of, and needs for, irrigation development and management in the
country.
Consult and seek the cooperation of other ministries and agencies of the
national Government, county governments, as well as non Government
entities, so as to encourage broad support for irrigation development and
management.
Establish and oversee a sector-wide cross ministerial body to coordinate with
all organizations related to the irrigation sub-sector regarding development and
management of schemes and provision of support services to Irrigation Water
Users Associations.
Formulate and review national irrigation policy and strategy in collaboration
with relevant stakeholders;
Oversight and coordination to irrigation sub-sector entities and agencies;
Collaborate and liaise with other agencies involved in irrigation development
at local, regional and international levels;
Formulation of sub-sector regulations, standards and guidelines;
Capacity building, coordinate technology and research development;
Formulation of National projects and programmes in collaboration with
60
Key Linkages
President & Council of
Governors,
Transition
authority, Natural resources
sector technical committees
Headed by the Cabinet
Secretary
for
Agriculture,
linked to:
-Other Sector ministries e.g.
Ministry
of
Water,
Environment
& Natural
Resources, Ministry of Energy,
Industry, Planning & Finance
-County Ministry responsible
for Irrigation
-Sector Development Partners
-Private Sector & Civil society
Headed by the Director for
Irrigation Development and
linked to:
- County Ministry responsible
for Agriculture & CIDU
- All national and county
institutions responsible for
water and irrigation
DRAFT NATIONAL IRRIGATION POLICY, 2015
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
County governments and other stakeholders .
Resource mobilization and financing of the sub-sector;
In consultation with County governments , develop a National Irrigation
Master plan, Investment plan and respective Strategic plans;
Establish a national Irrigation and Drainage Management Information System
(IDMIS);
Monitoring and evaluation of irrigation sub-sector performance.
Undertake regulatory function for the sub-sector including conflict resolution
mechanisms to deal with irrigation disputes.
Build the capacity of Irrigation Water Users Associations to deal with scheme
level disputes amicably
- Development Partners and
other financial institutions
- Private Sector and Civil
Society irrigation stakeholders
- Water sector regulatory and
judicial institutions
- Water Sector technology
research and development,
and standards institutions
5
National Irrigation
Development Service
(NIDS)
1. In consultation with County governments, spearhead implementation of the
irrigation policy, guidelines and standards;
2. In consultation with County governments, plan, design, construct and manage
large strategic food security irrigation projects;
3. Plan, design and construct irrigation projects that cut across water basins and
international boundaries
4. Monitoring and evaluation of irrigation activities and their impacts;
5. Mainstream irrigation related statutory obligations such as environmental,
water and health;
6. Capacity build farmers and support establishment of relevant farmer
organizations for irrigation development in collaboration with the County
governments ;
7. Provide technical advisory and other support services in irrigation;
8. Advising and overseeing the operation and management of strategic irrigation
projects;
9. In consultation with County governments , maintain an information system on
irrigation development and management;
10. Integrate irrigation in water harvesting and storage projects in collaboration
with relevant other government institutions
Headed by a Board and a
Chair appointed by the
President.
- Managed by a CEO
appointed by the Cabinet
Secretary.
Other
water
sector
institutions
- Closely linked to the County
Irrigation Development Unit
(CIDU)
- Links to the Irrigation
Development Fund (IDF),
Irrigation Training Centre
(IDTC)
- Collaborates with IDRC,
- Public Schemes
- IWUAs, other farmers
6
County Irrigation
1. Implement irrigation policy at the county level as per its mandate;
Headed by a CEO appointed
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DRAFT NATIONAL IRRIGATION POLICY, 2015
2. Formulate and implement county irrigation strategy in collaboration with
relevant stakeholders, in line with national policies and strategies;
3. Develop and maintain an irrigation database and integrate systematic
monitoring and evaluation of the sub-sector development at the county;
4. Provide technical (surveys, designs, supervision of construction), financial and
other support services for the development of the irrigation sub-sector;
5. Identify community-based smallholder schemes for implementation in line with
national guidelines.
6. Mainstream irrigation related statutory obligations such as environmental,
water and health;
7. Rehabilitation of existing irrigation schemes within the counties;
8. Capacity build farmers and support establishment of viable farmer
organizations to develop and manage irrigation schemes including actively
participating in conflicts resolution within irrigation schemes;
9. Set up measures to implement adaptation and mitigation to climate change,
and enhance sustainable environmental management;
10. Implementation of the regulatory function in line with national standards
Irrigation Development 1. Hydrological research for application in irrigation development
Research Center (IDRC) 2. Carry out modeling and simulation studies, innovations and technology
adaptations and dissemination of the research results and innovations
3. Seek research and innovations advances in irrigated agriculture for improved
productivity and quality standards;
4. Promote international cooperation in irrigation research and information
5. Promote linkages between research, extension and farmers for effective
adoption of technological packages.
6. Monitor and evaluate irrigation projects with regard to the effectiveness of the
technologies and impacts they have on beneficiaries
7. Development of manuals, publications and other training materials for
Capacity building;
8. Promote initiatives to encourage various stakeholders to invest in science and
technology and related businesses;
9. Promote coordinated and regulated research and technology development for
irrigation sub-sector to gain from emerging knowledge.
10. Identify research priority areas in collaboration with the County Governments
and other stakeholders.
Development Unit
(CIDU)
8
62
by the Governor
- Linked to all National Level
and County level institutions
addressing irrigation especially
IDD, NIDS & IDF
- Closely linked to IWUAs,
commercial farmers and other
county irrigation stakeholders.
Headed by a CEO appointed
by the Cabinet Secretary
- Hosted by KARLO
- Linked to other Research
institutions,
- Universities,
- Farmer training centers,
- NIDS
- Private sector, Civil Society
DRAFT NATIONAL IRRIGATION POLICY, 2015
1. Identify key training priority areas for the sub-sector in collaboration with the
county Government and other relevant stakeholders;
2. Development of training curricula in collaboration with the county
Government and other relevant stakeholders;
3. Undertake scheduled training in collaboration with relevant stakeholders;
4. Assessment of the impact of training through monitoring and evaluation;
5. Revision of the training modules in collaboration with relevant stakeholders;
6. Set linkages with relevant professional bodies (IEK,ERB) , universities and other
training institutions for improved staff development;
7. Create a data bank in collaboration with other stakeholders to facilitate
planning of appropriate institutional programs;
8. Establish mechanisms for information sharing amongst share holders; and
9. Keep pace in technology changes and ensure continuous staff development
through regular review of Training Needs and training.
10 Irrigation Development 1. Support development, repairs, maintenance, improvement and rehabilitation
of irrigation infrastructure.
Fund (IDF)
2. Support irrigation research and innovation
3. Provide grants and loans for development and/or expansion of smallholder
irrigation schemes.
4. Development partners will be encouraged to channel their financial support
through the IDF
9
11
Irrigation Devlopment
Training Center (IDTC)
- Headed by a CEO
appointed by the Cabinet
Secretary
- Closely linked to IDD, NIDS
and CIDU
- Universities and other
training institutions, locally,
regionally and internationally
- Headed by a Board and a
Chairman of the Board
appointed by the President
- Managed by a CEO
appointed by the CS
- Linked to IDD, NIDS and
CIDU
- Links to Development
Partners
- Ministry of Finance and
other financial institutions
- Private sector
IWUAs/
Farmer
Organisations
- Individual farmers
Irrigation Water User 1. Register irrigation water users in their area with CIDU and NIDS for the
Registered under the Societies
purpose of capacity building and other forms of support
Associations (IWUAs)/
Act
2.
Promote
controlled
and
legal
use
of
irrigation
water
in
thier
area
Farmer
Organisations
- Own management
3.
Promote
good
governance
in
management
practices
including
gender
equity
in
(FOs)
Linked to CIDU, NIDS, IDF,
63
DRAFT NATIONAL IRRIGATION POLICY, 2015
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
sustainable use of irrigation water.
In collaboration with WRMA and WRUAs in their area ,promote water
conservation practices to ensure sufficient water reserves that meet the
demands of the environment, the wildlife, the livestock and all the
communities who rely on the water resource;
Work towards reducing conflict in use of the water resource and participate in
solving those that arise;
Promote catchment conservation and other measures to improve water
quantities and quality.
Promotion of agri-business along the whole value chain
With support from IDRC, participate in the process of research and irrigation
technology development
64
KALRO
- Other water sector players
eg. WRUAs, WRMA, NEMA
- IDRC, IDTC
DRAFT NATIONAL IRRIGATION POLICY, 2015
DEFINITION OF KEY TERMS
Term
Agricultural
Water
Management
(AWM)
Aquaculture
Drainage
Ecosystem
services
Environment
Equity
Evapotranspirati
on (ET)
Food security
Freshwater
resources
Gravity-fed
Irrigation
Groundwater
Definition/Brief description
The holistic management of water for agriculture (crops, trees, fisheries and livestock) in the continuum from
rain fed systems to irrigated agriculture. It includes irrigation and drainage, soil and water conservation,
rainwater harvesting, agronomy, in-field water management, integrated watershed management and all
relevant aspects of the management of water and land.
The farming of aquatic organisms including fish, mollusks, crustaceans and aquatic plants with some sort of
intervention in the rearing process.
The process of managing excess surface water and controlling water logging from shallow water tables.
The benefits people obtain from well maintained ecosystems. Examples include clean water from rivers, fresh
air, availability of timber from forests, flood and disease control, ground water recharge, nutrient cycling.
A combination of the various physical, geographic, biological, cultural and political elements that affect the life
of an individual or organism.
The fairness, the standard by which each person and group is able to maximize the development of their latent
capacities. Justice is the vehicle through which equity is applied, its practical expression.
The sum of water lost from an area through the combined effects of evaporation from the ground surface and
transpiration from the vegetation.
When all people, at all times, have physical, social and economic access to sufficient, safe and nutritious food
that meets their dietary needs and food preferences for an active and healthy life
Water that is available in rivers and aquifers, and having good quality to be used for human purposes (e.g.
drinking, washing, irrigation, industry).
The type of irrigation in which water is available or made available at a higher level so as to enable supply to
the land by gravity flow.
Water that exists beneath the earth's surface in underground streams and aquifers.
65
DRAFT NATIONAL IRRIGATION POLICY, 2015
Term
Integrated
agricultureaquaculture (IAA)
Integrated
Water Resource
Management
(IWRM)
Definition/Brief description
Mixed farming systems that incorporate fish production and agricultural use of water. Fish production has been
successfully integrated into irrigated crops, especially rice and hydroponic horticultural systems.
A process which promotes the co-ordinated development and management of water, land and related
resources, in order to maximize the resultant economic and social welfare in an equitable manner without
compromising the sustainability of vital ecosystems.
Any process, other than by natural precipitation, which supplies water to crops or any other “human actions
Irrigation
Irrigation
efficiency
Irrigation
Management
Transfer (IMT)
Land
degradation
Land tenure
Marginal-quality
water
Overhead
irrigation
Policy
Policy making
taken to improve availability of water for agricultural production of crops, pasture, livestock, aquaculture, and
desired forest trees”.
The ratio of irrigation water consumed by the irrigated plants to the water delivered from the supply source.
The gradual handing-over of the rights and responsibilities to operate, maintain and manage irrigation systems
from development agencies to the farmers.
The reduction in the capability of the land to provide goods and services, and/or benefits from a particular land
use under a specific form of land management.
How property rights in land are allocated within societies. Land tenure systems determine who can use what
resources for how long, and under what conditions.
This term includes urban wastewater, agricultural drainage water, and saline/sodic surface water and
groundwater
A method of irrigation water application in which the water is ejected into the air to fall as spray on to the
crops or on the ground surface.
A concise, formal statement of principles which indicates how a sector„s objectives and rational outcomes will
be achieved. A Policy provides the „roadmap‟ for sector development.
Policy making is an inherently political activity, with sequential steps from problem formulation, to evaluation
66
DRAFT NATIONAL IRRIGATION POLICY, 2015
Term
Policy-maker
Irrigation
Stakeholder
Poverty
Rain fed
agriculture
Recycled water
Runoff farming
Salinity
Salinization
Scale of
Irrigation
Schemes
Supplementary
irrigation
Surface irrigation
Virtual water
Definition/Brief description
of alternatives, to implementation.
A person with power to influence or determine policies and practices at an international, national, regional, or
local level.
Any organization, group or individual that is involved in the promotion and development of irrigation and
drainage. They range from donor organizations, Governmental Organizations, NGOs and Farmers.
The inability to satisfy basic needs, such as food, shelter, water and sanitation, usually described as people living
on the equivalent of less than $1 a day.
In rain fed agriculture, natural rainfall, which falls directly on a given field, is the predominant source of water
for growing crops, trees or pasture on that field. It also includes crops grown with flood flows harvested from
excess rainfall runoff.
Water that has already been diverted and used at least once. Recycling takes place, for example, by reusing
drainage water or urban waste water.
Also known as runoff harvesting/ water spreading/ spate irrigation, is the collection of rainwater from a surface
and its storage in the soil profile.
Soils having high concentration of soluble salts. Salinity may be caused by the presence of salts in the soil or
from irrigation water.
The increased accumulation of excessive salts in land and water at sufficient levels to impact on human and
natural assets (plants, animals, aquatic ecosystems, water supplies or agriculture).
Small scale schemes: schemes with area of 0 - 500 ha; Medium scale: 501 – 3000 ha and Large scale >3000 ha.
It is difficult to develop strict rules for categorising irrigation into classes based on area and not consider number
of beneficiaries or the unit cost of infrastructure.
Providing additional water to stabilize or increase yields where rainfall is insufficient for crop growth
Surface irrigation systems are those which supply irrigation water to the ground surface for crop use. The main
surface irrigation methods include: basin, border, furrow, corrugation, wild flooding, and spate
An economic concept defined as the water used to grow exported food. It is normally expressed in litres of
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DRAFT NATIONAL IRRIGATION POLICY, 2015
Term
Water
application
efficiency
Water
conveyance
efficiency
Water
harvesting
Waste water
Waste water
treatment
Water control
Water logging
Water pricing
Water
productivity
(WP)
Water resources
management
Water rights
Water scarcity
Definition/Brief description
water per kilogram of produce.
The ratio of the water applied that can be accounted for as increase in soil moisture in the soil as occupied by
the principal rooting system of the crop against total amount of water applied at the field level.
The ratio of water delivered in the fields at the outlet head to that diverted into the canal or pipe system from
the source.
Activities where water from rainfall and/or surface runoff is collected, diverted, stored and utilized.
The water which is of no further immediate value to the purpose for which it was used or in the pursuit of
which it was produced because of its quality, quantity or time of occurrence.
Process to render waste water fit to meet applicable environmental standards or other quality norms for
recycling or reuse and irrigation.
The physical control of water by measures such as conservation practices on the land, channel improvements,
and installation of structures for reducing water velocity and trapping sediments.
State of land in which the water table is located at or near the surface resulting in poorly drained soils,
adversely affecting crops production. Drainage can be used to solve the problem
A charge levied on the beneficiaries for supplying irrigation water. It may be based on O&M expenses,
depreciation charges or other criteria which may cover the working expenses and interest on investment
An efficiency term quantified as the ratio of product output (goods and services) over water input. It can be
expressed in term of yields (physical WP), income (economic WP) or environmental services (environmental
WP).
The decision-making, manipulative, and non-manipulative processes by which water is protected, allocated,
and/or developed.
A legal system for allocating water from a water source to water users.
A water supply that limits food production, human health and economic development (thresholds about 1000
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DRAFT NATIONAL IRRIGATION POLICY, 2015
Term
Water user
association
(WUA)
Irrigation Water
Users‟
Association
(IWUA)
Water
withdrawal
Participatory
Irrigation
Development
Demand -driven
development
Wetland
Definition/Brief description
m3/year/person or more than 40% use relative to supply, an area is in situation of severe scarcity).
An association of water users combining both governance and management functions.
A group of farmers within a given geographical location who have come together for the common interest of
utilizing a common water resource for the purpose of irrigation and/or drainage. The IWUA members make
joint efforts to install, operate, maintain and manage the irrigation or drainage facility for the benefit of all the
members.
The gross amount of water extracted from any source, either permanently or temporarily, for a given use. It
can be either diverted towards distribution networks or directly used.
A process through which irrigation stakeholders influence and share development initiative, decision making
and resources that affect them.
development that has its origin from the benefiting group based in the identified needs
Areas of marsh, fen, peat land or water, natural or artificial, permanent or temporary, with water that is static
or flowing, fresh, brackish or salt, including areas of marine waters, the depth of which at low tide may not
exceed six meters.
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