The government has introduced mandatory registration for all local and foreign professionals and firms offering irrigation services in Kenya, in a move aimed at tightening regulation and improving standards in the fast‑growing agriculture sector.
In a notice on April 28, the registration, formally referred to as enlistment, is being rolled out by the Ministry of Water, Sanitation, and Irrigation through the State Department for Irrigation.
It targets individuals, companies, and contractors involved in the planning, construction, and management of irrigation systems across the country.
Under the new requirement, no professional or firm will be allowed to provide irrigation services or undertake irrigation works unless they are officially enlisted by the Cabinet Secretary responsible for irrigation.
The regulation will take full effect from July 1, 2026, giving service providers a window to comply.
The move is anchored in the Irrigation Act of 2019 and the Irrigation (General) Regulations of 2021, which mandate the government to regulate irrigation development and management nationwide.
Govt Announces Mandatory Enlistment of Irrigation Contractors
According to the ministry, the enlistment will help bring order, accountability, and professionalism to the sector, which has expanded rapidly as Kenya pushes to boost food production through irrigation.
The enlistment applies to professionals and service providers offering a wide range of irrigation‑related services.
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These include pre‑feasibility studies, feasibility studies, and detailed designs; installation or construction of irrigation systems; construction supervision; and scheme administration and management.
According to the State Department for Irrigation, anyone wishing to be enlisted must meet several minimum requirements.
Applicants must hold a degree or diploma from a recognized institution in a discipline relevant to irrigation services.
They are also required to have at least 5 years of practical experience in the field of irrigation.
In addition, professionals must be registered with relevant professional bodies, where such registration is required by law.
Foreign professionals face an additional requirement as they must present a valid permit from the National Construction Authority before they can be considered.
The ministry added that the enlistment is necessary to protect farmers and public investments in irrigation infrastructure.
In recent years, poorly executed irrigation projects have resulted in wasted resources, failed schemes, and disputes over responsibility.
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The registration will also create a verifiable database of irrigation service providers, making it easier for public agencies, counties, and private investors to identify credible professionals when implementing projects.
How to Apply
According to the ministry, applications for enlistment will be submitted online through the eCitizen platform, using the State Department for Irrigation’s designated portal.
Applicants will be required to upload all supporting documents in PDF format at the time of application.
The process will apply equally to individuals, local firms, and foreign contractors seeking to offer irrigation services in Kenya.
The ministry stressed that after July 1, 2026, unlisted professionals and firms will not be legally allowed to operate within the irrigation sector.
Irrigation in Kenya
Irrigation is a critical pillar of Kenya’s food security strategy, yet only a small fraction of the country’s arable land is under irrigation.
Most farming still depends on rainfall, leaving farmers exposed to droughts and climate shocks.
To address this, the government has invested in major public schemes, including Mwea, Ahero, Bunyala, Perkerra, Hola, and Bura, as well as newer projects such as Galana-Kulalu.
These schemes support staple crops, horticulture, and livestock fodder, providing livelihoods for thousands of households.
However, past projects have suffered from poor design, stalled construction, and inadequate supervision.
