PROJECT Overview
The Lower Nzoia Irrigation Project is a flagship initiative designed to boost agricultural productivity and improve the livelihoods of farming communities in Siaya and Busia counties, Kenya. Implemented by the National Irrigation Authority with support from the World Bank and the Government of Kenya, the project aims to irrigate over 10,000 hectares of farmland, benefiting more than 6,000 smallholder farmers.
Through the development of modern irrigation infrastructure, farmer training, and agribusiness support, the project is transforming traditional farming into a more resilient and market-oriented sector. The initiative also integrates community participation, sustainable land use, resettlement planning, and targeted livelihood restoration programs ensuring inclusive growth and long-term impact for the region.
LOWER
NZOIA
IRRIGATION
PROJECT
| Commencement Date: September 2015 | Completion Date: May 2025
Financial Overview
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World Bank/IDA – (US$ 141.32 mil)
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Korea-World Bank Group Partnership Facility (KWTF) – (US$ 3.50 mil)
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German Reconstruction Credit Institute (KfW) – (US$ 16.44 mil)
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Government of Kenya (GoK) – (US$ 14.80 mil)
Ministry of Water, Sanitation, and Irrigation
State Department for Irrigation
National Irrigation Authority
Water Resources Authority
National Water Harvesting
Storage Authority
Mombasa County
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Objective 1
To increase access to irrigation water for project beneficiaries, thereby enhancing agricultural productivity and improving livelihoods.
Project Targets
Objective 2
To enhance the institutional framework and strengthen capacity for water security and climate resilience in certain regions of the country.
Project Targets
Project Development Objectives
02
Empowering
Communities
Directly benefit approximately 20,000 people, including 12,600 people (2,100 households) already farming in the area and an additional 8,000 labourers expected to work as hired labor.
01
Sustainable Irrigation
Increase the availability and productivity of irrigation water for communities in the Lower Nzoia Irrigation Scheme, located in Busia and Siaya Counties in Western Kenya.
03
Providing
Infrastructure
Develop infrastructure to irrigate 2,385 hectares of land for the sustainable production of food and high-value crops enhancing food security and livelihoods.
5, 554
Hectares of land to be irrigated in Lower Nzoia region
20, 000
People to benefit from the Lower Nzoia Irrigation Project
50, 000
Indirect beneficiaries from the resulting agri-economy growth
4.8 B
Estimated revenue of KSH 4.8 Billion annually to be generated
