NWHSA, Tana River sign deal to roll out climate-smart lucerne farming project

The National Water Harvesting and Storage Authority (NWHSA), the Tana River County Government and Stella Mundi Properties Ltd have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to implement a climate-smart lucerne farming project aimed at boosting irrigation, food security and livelihoods in the county.

The partnership seeks to develop water infrastructure to support year-round irrigation and commercial lucerne cultivation, while strengthening flood management and sustainable use of water resources in the arid county.

Officials said the initiative is expected to attract private investment, create jobs and increase household incomes by expanding commercial fodder production.

Speaking during the signing ceremony, NWHSA Chief Executive Officer Eng. Julius Mugun said the project goes beyond developing water infrastructure, describing it as an investment in the economic transformation of local communities.

"This collaboration is a step towards propelling Kenya towards the Singaporean dream of becoming a first-world country," he said.

He noted that reliable water infrastructure would support agricultural production throughout the year and open up new economic opportunities for residents.

NWHSA Board Chairperson Dr Jane Mwikali Makau said the partnership demonstrates the growing role of collaboration between national and county governments and the private sector in addressing development challenges.

"This MoU marks the beginning of many more partnerships that will deliver tangible benefits to the people of Tana River," Mwikali noted.

Tana River Governor Dhadho Godhana said the county expects the project to improve agricultural productivity while creating employment opportunities through commercial fodder farming.

According to the governor, the collaboration brings together the technical expertise of the national government, county support and private sector investment to unlock the county's agricultural potential.

Stella Mundi Properties Ltd representative Fr. Allan Ndung'u said the project is targeting a growing export market for lucerne, particularly in the Middle East, where demand for quality fodder continues to rise.

"This is a major agricultural investment with the potential to generate significant returns while creating sustainable economic opportunities for the people of Tana River," Fr Ndung'u noted.

The partners said the project is expected to enhance climate resilience through improved water management while supporting food security and serving as a model for future public-private partnerships in sustainable agriculture.