A new partnership between the National Water Harvesting and Storage Authority (NWHSA), Tana River County Government, and Stella Mundi Properties Ltd is set to transform agriculture in the arid county through climate-smart lucerne farming.
The three partners have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to develop water infrastructure that will support year-round irrigation, commercial fodder production, and improved management of water resources.
The initiative is expected to boost food security, create employment opportunities, attract private investment, and increase household incomes by expanding the production of lucerne, a high-value livestock feed crop.
Speaking during the signing ceremony, NWHSA Chief Executive Officer Eng. Julius Mugun said the project represents more than just water infrastructure development, describing it as a pathway towards economic transformation for local communities.
“This collaboration is a step towards propelling Kenya towards the Singaporean dream of becoming a first-world country,” Mugun said.
He added that reliable water supply systems would enable continuous agricultural production and unlock new economic opportunities for residents.
NWHSA Board Chairperson Dr. Jane Mwikali Makau said the partnership highlights the importance of cooperation between national and county governments alongside private sector players in tackling development challenges.
“This MoU marks the beginning of many more partnerships that will deliver tangible benefits to the people of Tana River,” she said.
Tana River Governor Dhadho Godhana said the project would enhance agricultural productivity while creating jobs through commercial fodder farming.
He noted that combining national government expertise, county support, and private sector investment would help unlock the county’s agricultural potential.
Meanwhile, Stella Mundi Properties Ltd representative Fr. Allan Ndung’u said the project aims to tap into the growing international market for lucerne, particularly in the Middle East, where demand for quality animal feed is increasing.
“This is a major agricultural investment with the potential to generate significant returns while creating sustainable economic opportunities for the people of Tana River,”Ndung’u said.
The partners said the project will also strengthen climate resilience through improved water management and provide a model for future public-private partnerships in sustainable agriculture.
