Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe says some foreign investors have shown interest in investing in the land adding that only large scale investors will be prioritized as the cabinet is drafting a memo that will guide land allocations.

According o Kagwe, the government will starts reallocating idle land at the scheme.

The Galana Kulalu Food Security Project will receive an $800 million investment following an agreement between private firm Al Dahra Group from the United Arab Emirates and the National Irrigation Authority (NIA).

Kagwe defended the deal saying it was above board saying the long lease period given to foreign investors at Galana Kulalu is to ensure investors recoup their investments.

Kagwe was speaking during, a parliamentary meeting at the Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Services (KEPHIS) where he opposed the merger of the plant agency and the National Biosafety Authority saying the merger might compromise on the country’s food safety.