Ruto Gives Abu Dhabi Billionaires 180,000 Acres of Galana Kulalu Land

President William Ruto’s administration has allocated 180,000 acres of land within the Galana Kulalu Food Security Project to Al Dahra, a company owned by billionaire investors from Abu Dhabi, for large-scale agricultural development.

The deal was formalised through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between Al Dahra, the National Irrigation Authority (NIA), and the Agricultural Development Corporation (ADC).

“A highlight of the visit was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Al Dahra, the National Irrigation Authority (NIA), and the Agricultural Development Corporation (ADC) to undertake feasibility studies for the development of 180,000 acres into diversified agricultural enterprises, including fodder and meat value chains,” confirmed the national treasury statement.

Feasibility Studies and Irrigation Plans
The agreement paves the way for feasibility studies aimed at developing the land into diversified agricultural enterprises. This includes fodder production and meat value chains.

The project will be anchored by a proposed 306 million m³ dam, which is expected to provide gravity-fed irrigation to 200,000 acres. Water will be distributed through an estimated 60 kilometres of canals.

According to the National Treasury, this development is a major milestone under Kenya’s Public-Private Partnership (PPP) framework. It is also aligned with the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA).

“This milestone has catalysed KSh 12.5 billion in private sector investment from SELU Ltd, earmarked for the construction of storage facilities, expansion of irrigation infrastructure, and development of internal farm roads,” the Treasury noted.

The Galana Kulalu project sits on a 1.5-million-acre block of irrigable land. Government officials say the 180,000-acre allocation to Al Dahra is part of a broader strategy to expand food production and create rural employment opportunities.

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Phase 1 of the scheme targets 20,000 acres under irrigation. This is expected to produce around 1.4 million bags of maize annually, with an estimated value of KSh 5.6 billion.

Leveraging Private Capital
“Kenya cannot rely solely on public financing for large-scale infrastructure development, making PPPs both a viable and sustainable financing pathway,” Treasury Principal Secretary Dr Chris Kiptoo said during the visit.

The Treasury report emphasised that the PPP model allows the government to leverage private capital while still delivering critical infrastructure to boost agricultural productivity.

“The broader Galana Kulalu block, if fully harnessed, could dramatically raise farm incomes, strengthen foreign exchange earnings, and generate thousands of jobs for young people,” the report added.

Currently, the project has 3,200 acres under seed maize cultivation. Plans are underway to expand this to 4,500 acres in 2026.

Also Read: Galana Kulalu: Will President Ruto Make the Dream a Reality?

The long-term target is to achieve 20,000 acres under irrigation, in addition to the 180,000-acre Al Dahra venture.

Agricultural Transformation Goals

Government officials say the partnership with Al Dahra is expected to introduce modern farming technologies, diversify agricultural value chains, and strengthen Kenya’s position as a leading regional food producer.

The proposed dam and canal network are projected to transform the region into a high-capacity irrigation hub, reducing reliance on rain-fed farming and supporting continuous, year-round agricultural production.

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