High Grand Falls (HGF) Project at Kawi House

PS Kimotho underscored the transformative role of the High Grand Falls Project in accelerating irrigation development, particularly for Bura Irrigation Scheme and potential irrigation areas in Garissa, Tana River, Kitui, and Makueni counties. He noted that the dam has the potential to support an additional 200,000 acres of irrigation on the upper side of Galana Kulalu. He emphasized that establishing a joint contracting authority will be instrumental in fast-tracking the project’s implementation.

The PS highlighted that irrigation remains a central pillar in expanding Kenya’s agricultural production. Although the country has vast irrigation potential, only 762,000 acres are currently under irrigation. The government aims to grow this to 1 million acres in the short term.

Once completed, the High Grand Falls Project is expected to bring a minimum of 500,000 additional acres under irrigation, supporting major schemes such as Galana Kulalu, Bura, and Garissa. This expansion will substantially increase national food production, including an estimated 480,000 metric tonnes of rice, helping to reduce Kenya’s existing rice deficit.

PS Wachira reaffirmed the strategic importance of the High Grand Falls Dam to the State Department for Energy, noting that it is expected to boost national power supply by over 1,000 MW. He emphasized the need to resolve outstanding issues to ensure efficient project delivery. Ongoing activities include feasibility studies, land acquisition processes, and development of detailed designs. He also stressed the importance of a comprehensive concept note to guide subsequent implementation phases, including the management of Project Affected Persons (PAPs).

The High Grand Falls Dam is a key flagship project of the Kenya Kwanza Government and is among the 50 priority dams identified under the leadership of His Excellency President Dr. William Ruto, CGH.