The government of the Arab Republic of Egypt will support Kenya’s plans in the water and irrigation sectors. 

The pledge was made by the Egyptian Minister for Irrigation and Water Resources, H.E. Dr. Hani Sawilam this morning when he visited the National Assembly. Dr. Sawilam is in the country on a 2-day visit and is expected to participate in the Regional Nile Day celebration scheduled to take place on 22nd February 2023, as well as hold bilateral meetings with officials in Nairobi. 

The Minister who was accompanied by

top officials from his ministry and the Egyptian Embassy in Nairobi, expressed his government’s intention to partner with Kenya to help support water and irrigation sectors.

“Just like Egypt, Kenya should not only rely on water bodies like rivers for irrigation, you can have water points drilled from the ground to support irrigation. Egypt has experience in water catchment areas, the same can be used for irrigation pilot programs in the country”, noted  Dr. Sawilan.  

The PIC-ASS Committee Chair, Hon. Emanuel Wangwe, (Nabakholo) and his counterpart Chairs Hon. Kagongo Bowen and Hon. (Dr.) John Mutunga pointed out to the delegation the challenges Kenya is facing in the water sector.

 “Part of the reasons Kenya is facing water shortage is the wastage we see during rainy season. There is a lot of water that goes to waste then and we are also faced with water recycling challenges among others”, said Hon. Wangwe. 

On his part, Hon. Kangogo, underpinned the good relations Kenya and Egypt enjoy. He went ahead to assure them that Kenya is ready to work with Egypt in support of  irrigation projects across various parts of the country.

 “We encourage our friends from Egypt to support  our water harvesting plans. Currently, Kenya has very few irrigation schemes that only focus on rice, horticulture and floriculture. We have plans to support the expansion of these” observed Hon. Kangogo. 

The delegation accompanying the Minister comprised of : H.E Mr. Wael M. Attiya from the Egyptian  Embassy , H.E Mr. Khaled Mohamed Osman – Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Aref Ali Ammar – Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation, Dr. Tahany Selit – Ministry of Waree Resources and Irrigation, Mr. Ahmed Mohamed Tayia – Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ms. Hanan Shahin – Egyptian Embassy in Nairobi,  Mr. Mostafa Ahmed Sayed – Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation and  Mr. Mohamed Fouad from the Egyptian Embassy in Nairobi.