The Israeli and the Kenyan government are in talks to revitalize the Galana Kulalu project, looking to complete the remaining 15% of the project. Israel says that the two governments intend to revive the contract between the National Irrigation Authority and Green Arava.
In May, the National Irrigation Authority said that it terminated the Ksh 5 billion contract with Green Arava, promising to complete the remaining project with local talent. The authority sought Ksh 600m for completion. Water and Irrigation Principal Secretary Joseph Irungu said; “We have ended the Green Arava contract and we are going to do the remaining work on the model farm through the local talent that we have.”
Israel Support for Galana Kulalu
Israel is still optimistic about the model farm project, planning to support seed capital to some of the 100 trainees it airlifts every year. The country will also link the trainees to financial institutions and Israeli companies to encourage their participation in the agricultural value chain.
Further, the country earlier promised to create two support centres which will support expertise transfer for five to seven years. Oded says that the Galanu Kulali project is vital in promoting food security to hedge for potential shortages after the pandemic.
Currently, the irrigation authority is utilizing irrigation infrastructure in Galana Kulalu consisting of center pivots covering 3,300 acres and drip irrigation covering 1,800 acres to grow maize and other high value crops.
SEE ASLO: Galana Kulalu Project to be Revived
