The National Irrigation Authority (NIA) is a key state corporation in Kenya that plays a significant role in supporting the country’s agricultural sector. It was established on August 16, 2019, under the Irrigation Act No. 14 of 2019, replacing the former National Irrigation Board (NIB). The Authority operates under the Ministry of Water, Sanitation, and Irrigation, with a clear mandate to develop, manage, and regulate irrigation in Kenya. This function is crucial in ensuring sustainable food security and supporting socio-economic development in the country, especially in light of changing climate patterns and increasing demand for agricultural productivity.
Functions of the National Irrigation Authority
- Development and Improvement of Irrigation Infrastructure The NIA is responsible for the development, improvement, and maintenance of irrigation infrastructure in national irrigation schemes. These schemes are often large-scale projects designed to provide a reliable water supply for agricultural activities, ensuring that farmers have access to sufficient irrigation water to boost food production.
- Support Services to Private and Smallholder Irrigation Schemes In collaboration with county governments and other stakeholders, the Authority provides support services to private medium and smallholder irrigation schemes. These support services ensure that irrigation schemes are well-managed and sustainable in the long term.
- Technical Advisory Services The NIA offers technical advisory services to irrigation schemes, helping with design, construction supervision, administration, operation, and maintenance. These services are provided through various modalities, including agency contracts, ensuring that irrigation schemes are effectively implemented and managed.
- Irrigation Development in National and Public Schemes The NIA undertakes the development of irrigation infrastructure not only for national and public schemes but also for smallholder irrigation schemes. This includes schemes that traverse or straddle more than one county, ensuring uniformity in the development of irrigation across different regions.
- Facilitation of Water Users’ Associations In collaboration with county governments, the Authority facilitates the formation and strengthening of irrigation water users’ associations, scheme management committees, and dispute resolution committees at the scheme level. This promotes local involvement in the management and operation of irrigation schemes, fostering a sense of ownership and responsibility among farmers and other users.
- Fundraising for Infrastructure Development The NIA raises funds for developing irrigation infrastructure through consultation with relevant stakeholders, including the Ministry of Finance, county governments, and other entities. These funds are directed toward the development and maintenance of national, public, and smallholder irrigation schemes under various mechanisms, such as agency contracts.
- Technical Advisory on Water Management The NIA also provides commercial technical advisory services on irrigation water management. This includes services related to water harvesting, storage, and wastewater recycling for agricultural use. These efforts help maximize water use efficiency and ensure the sustainability of irrigation projects.
- Linkages Between Government and Stakeholders The NIA fosters linkages between the national and county governments, private sector players, civil society organizations, and local communities. These collaborations ensure that all stakeholders are involved in providing support services to irrigation water user associations and other aspects of irrigation scheme management.
- Provision of Land for Public Purposes The NIA is also mandated to provide land within national irrigation schemes for public purposes, ensuring that irrigation projects support broader national goals, including infrastructure development and public welfare.
- Promotion of Crop Marketing and Safe Storage In collaboration with county governments and other stakeholders, the Authority promotes the marketing, safe storage, and processing of crops, animal, and fish products produced within national irrigation schemes. This ensures that farmers have access to markets and that their products are stored safely, minimizing post-harvest losses.
- Research on Fair Crop Prices The NIA conducts periodic research to determine and make recommendations on fair pricing for crops, animal products, and fish produced within irrigation schemes. This research ensures that farmers are fairly compensated for their produce, supporting the economic sustainability of irrigation schemes.
The National Irrigation Authority plays an instrumental role in Kenya’s agricultural sector, ensuring that irrigation schemes are well-developed, managed, and regulated. By improving irrigation infrastructure, supporting smallholder schemes, promoting sustainable water management practices, and fostering collaboration among stakeholders, the NIA contributes significantly to Kenya’s food security and economic development.
Contact Information
- Head Office: Irrigation House, Lenana Road, Nairobi
- Phone: +254 711 061 000
- Email: ceo@irrigation.go.ke
The National Irrigation Authority continues to be a vital player in enhancing agricultural productivity in Kenya through sustainable irrigation practices.
