The National Water Harvesting and Storage Authority (NWHSA), the Tana River County Government and Stella Mundi Properties Ltd have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to jointly implement the Lucerne Project in Tana River County.
The partnership marks the beginning of a flagship climate-smart agricultural initiative aimed at boosting sustainable water resources development, commercial fodder production, flood risk management, food security and economic growth in the county.
Under the agreement, the three institutions will work together to develop resilient water infrastructure capable of supporting year-round irrigation and large-scale lucerne cultivation. The project is also expected to strengthen water resource management, improve environmental and social safeguards, attract private sector investment, create employment opportunities and enhance the livelihoods of local communities.
The partners said the collaboration reflects a shared commitment to integrating national technical expertise, county government support and private sector investment to deliver sustainable water projects that respond to climate change while unlocking the county’s agricultural potential.
Speaking during the MoU signing ceremony, NWHSA Chief Executive Officer Eng. Julius Mugun described the partnership as a significant milestone in improving the livelihoods of residents of Tana River County.
He said investments in water infrastructure go beyond physical development by creating opportunities for communities to prosper through agriculture and other economic activities.
“This collaboration is a step towards propelling Kenya towards the Singaporean dream of becoming a first world country,” said Eng. Mugun.
NWHSA Board Chairperson Dr. Jane Mwikali Makau said the partnership would unlock the county’s immense agricultural potential while creating employment opportunities for residents.
“This MoU marks the beginning of many more partnerships that will deliver tangible benefits to the people of Tana River,” she said.
Tana River Governor H.E. Dhadho Godhana welcomed the collaboration, saying it would combine the strengths of the county government, NWHSA and the private sector to ensure the Lucerne Project delivers lasting benefits to local communities.
He noted that the initiative has the potential to transform agriculture in the county by increasing productivity, creating jobs and improving household incomes through commercial fodder farming.
Stella Mundi Properties Ltd representative Father Allan Ndung’u said lucerne fodder enjoys a ready export market, particularly in the Middle East where demand continues to grow.
“This is a major agricultural investment with the potential to generate significant returns while creating sustainable economic opportunities for the people of Tana River,” he said.
The Lucerne Project is expected to serve as a model for public-private partnerships in sustainable water resources development and climate-smart agriculture, demonstrating how coordinated investments can enhance climate resilience, strengthen food security and drive inclusive economic development.
