This Feasibility Study Report presents an analytical case in defining the technical and institutional options for the establishment of the Kenya Irrigation and Drainage Association (KIDA) and its financial implications. The need for formation of KIDA has been amplified in the literature, by Key Informant Interviews (KII) and a stakeholders’ workshop held on
February 8, 2007 at National Agricultural Research Laboratories, Kabete. It was reaffirmed on April 26, 2007 in a workshop held at KARI Headquarters. KIDA is expected to enhance irrigated agriculture by improving information sharing and providing a platform for networking.

Although irrigation provides the opportunity to increase food crop and fibre production, the performance has been below expectations. Recent debates have even questioned the viability of irrigation in sub-Saharan Africa. Donors have also not been keen to fund irrigation because of the poor performance. In Kenya, the government policy has shifted from supporting government initiated to smallholder/beneficiary and community initiated irrigation projects, which have had a faster growth. In order for irrigation to take its rightful place as the way to improve and stabilise food and fibre production the existing irrigation schemes should perform better.