Israel to partner with Kenya in setting up water training institute

Minister of Water and Irrigation Eugene Wamalwa Ambassador of Israel to Kenya Yahel Vilan and Nyeri Governor Nderitu Gachagua

KILIFI: The Israeli government plans to establish an agricultural-based training institute in the county next year.

The Kenya/Israel MASHAV Agricultural Training Institute will be tasked with training technical officers in the area of water and irrigation.

"The institute, once complete, will increase local capacity in water engineering to assist in the expanded irrigation projects that the Government of Kenya intends to increase from 370,000 acres to over one million acres by the end of next year," visiting Israeli Minister for Agriculture Uri Ariel Haconen said.

The institute will complement the Kenya Water Training Institute, the only institute training in water technology.

Speaking during the official launch of the first harvest of 20,000 bags of Maize at the Galana Kulalu Food Security Project last Thursday, Mr Haconen said the institute will also be used to train officers on the growing of dates and vegetables using irrigation.

He observed that close co-operation between the governments of Israel and Kenya would encourage partnerships with investors in addressing concerns of the country's food security.

He commended Green Arava, the Israel firm behind the Galana project, for the transfer of skills and knowledge, leading to the fruition of the food security project.

Haconen, accompanied by Water and Irrigation Cabinet Secretary Eugene Wamalwa, said the celebration of the first harvest of 1.8 tonnes is regarded as a sign of hope and a blessing.

The Galana Kulalu Food Security Project has faced stiff opposition from various quarters in the county since it was inaugurated by President Uhuru Kenyatta in January 2014.

It is being funded by the governments of Kenya and Israel at a cost of Sh4.5 billion.

FOOD SECURITY

Present at the function were Magarini MP John Kombe, Adu Ward MCA Stanley Kenga and County Agriculture Executive Katana Menza.

The transformation of Kilifi from a food aid-dependent region into an alternative food basket for the country is expected to spur economic development.

Mr Wamalwa said the increased Kenya-Israel co-operation would greatly enhance agro-development through technical assistance provided by the Israeli government.

He observed that with increased acreage under irrigation, Kenya would no longer be regarded as a food insecure country but would instead be in a position to export knowledge and skill and excess supply to other countries in the region.

"This maize production on only 500 acres of the 10,000 model farm at Galana is an indication that with the proper technology, irrigation and partnership, Kenya can no longer be regarded as food insecure. While we currently have a deficit of 10 million bags of maize, the production from Galana will go a long way in closing that gap. This will complement the production from the Rift Valley," the CS stated.

He said the country was set to achieve much after research confirmed that the Kenya seed developed by local researchers was the best maize seed suitable for many parts of the country.

He said the seed would be promoted to other parts of Africa that have similar growing environment.

The disclosure by the CS comes at a time when the country recently launched the first fertiliser company expected to be operational in June 2016.

"Through irrigation we expect to have a reduction in the importation of rice, maize, soya and sugar," Wamalwa said.