A multi-million shilling agricultural project set to be established in Tana River County is expected to attract millions of dollars in investment, create thousands of jobs and position the region as a key livestock feed production hub in East Africa.

Stella Mundi Ltd has unveiled an ambitious large-scale lucerne fodder production project that will harness irrigation to convert vast stretches of semi-arid land into productive farmland.

The project will rely on the expertise of the National Water Harvesting and Storage Authority (NWHSA) in developing water security infrastructure. Water will be drawn from the Tana River through an extensive pipeline network to support irrigation throughout the project.

Stella Mundi Managing Director Mayor Mangeya said the development will be implemented in four phases, beginning with commercial lucerne production before expanding into value addition and livestock farming.

Under the second phase, lucerne production will increase to 7,000 hectares alongside the construction of a modern feed mill to process, blend and fortify livestock feed locally.

"The third phase will expand production to 12,000 hectares to support increased exports, while the fourth phase will establish a livestock platform focusing on beef cattle, goats and dairy production," Mangeya said.

He noted that the project is designed to meet the growing demand for quality livestock feed in Middle Eastern markets, where dairy farmers and livestock producers depend heavily on imported fodder.

The investment is also expected to generate direct financial benefits for the local community through a proposed Sovereign Fund Fee equivalent to two per cent of the project's topline revenue as compensation for land contributed to the initiative.

According to the project developers, the county government and local communities are projected to earn about USD2 million in topline revenue during the first five years and approximately USD4 million within the first 10 years of operation.

National Water Harvesting and Storage Authority Chief Executive Officer Eng. Julius Mugun and Board Chairperson Dr. Jane Mwikali Makau welcomed the investment, saying it has the potential to significantly improve livelihoods in Tana River County.

The two leaders said the project will unlock new economic opportunities through agriculture, create employment for local residents, boost exports and strengthen food security while supporting Kenya's Vision 2030 and the country's broader rural development agenda.