The Kenya‑UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement signed in January 2025 provides a framework for joint trade, investment and private‑sector cooperation aimed at strengthening agricultural production.

Under the agreement, UAE‑based Al Dahra Group announced in February 2025 an investment of more than US$800 million (about KSh 103 billion) to develop irrigated farming across roughly 200,000 acres, with 180,000 acres earmarked for its own operations.

The project’s success hinges on the construction of the Galana Dam – a 306‑million‑cubic‑metre reservoir planned by China Road and Bridge Corporation – which will supply reliable water for the large‑scale irrigation scheme.

Beyond capital, Al Dahra brings expertise from managing over 400,000 acres worldwide, offering know‑how on arid‑zone farming, water‑use efficiency and resilient crop varieties.

Kenyan Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe warned that idle land drives costly food imports, noting that the Galana Kulalu scheme could save the government KSh 400‑500 billion annually on cooking oil, sugar and grain imports.

The government has designated the Galana Kulalu area as an agricultural special economic zone, aiming to link farming with processing, storage, packaging and logistics to retain more value within Kenya and create skilled jobs for youth.

An inaugural Gulfood360 Africa/Kenya platform scheduled for Nairobi from 4‑6 May 2027 will bring together producers, processors, technology firms and international buyers, providing Kenyan agribusinesses a venue to explore export markets and attract further investment.

Complementing long‑term projects, the UAE Aid Agency delivered 30 tonnes of food assistance to drought‑hit Kenyan communities in February 2026, while Dubai Cares launched a school‑meals programme in Embu County that serves about 400 children, creates 160 local jobs and sources ingredients from smallholder farmers.