PS Kimotho Makes Fresh Appeal to Private Sector Over Kenya’s Food, Water Security

Principal Secretary for Irrigation Ephantus Kimotho has called on professionals and private investors to support Kenya’s efforts to improve food and water security through increased investment in irrigation and other development projects.

Kimotho said the country needed stronger investment partnerships and well-structured projects capable of attracting private capital to accelerate development in the water, food and energy sectors.

Speaking during the 43rd Edition of the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Kenya (ICPAK) Annual Seminar in Mombasa on Wednesday, November 11, the PS challenged professionals to use their expertise to turn government policies into projects that deliver tangible benefits to Kenyans.

“Achieving water, food and energy security requires professionals to work collectively, mobilise private sector resources, strengthen investment partnerships and develop viable, bankable projects capable of delivering sustainable economic and social benefits,” he said.

Kimotho noted that the government could not achieve its development ambitions without collaboration between different professional fields and the private sector.

He urged accountants and other professionals to embrace innovation, accountability and ethical leadership while helping develop projects that are economically viable, socially inclusive and environmentally sustainable.

The PS also challenged professionals to move beyond policy discussions and focus on implementation, saying government strategies must translate into practical interventions with measurable results.

In a separate message outlining the country’s ambitions, Kimotho said the government was targeting 100 per cent water security, zero food imports and an expansion of electricity generation capacity to 10,000 megawatts.

The government’s irrigation expansion programme is expected to play a central role in improving food production and reducing reliance on rainfall-dependent farming.

On November 3, the government announced plans to expand the area under irrigation to 1.5 million acres, with an initial target of 500,000 acres, as it seeks to increase domestic food production and attract private investment.

The ICPAK seminar, running from November 9 to 13, was held under the theme, “Advancing Trust and Credibility in a Changing World.”

Chief of Staff and Head of Public Service Felix Koskei was the chief guest at the event, which also brought together senior government officials, including Principal Secretary for Parliamentary Affairs Aurelia Rono and Molo MP Kuria Kimani.

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