Waiguru distributes pipes to help distribute water to over 7,000 residents in Kirinyaga Central
Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru on Wednesday distributed water pipes for Mbeti B and Kiangima Water projects in Inooi Ward, Kirinyaga Central to increase access to water for domestic use and minor irrigation by area residents.
Waiguru has said that the two project have around 7,500 beneficiaries who will now be relieved of inadequate water supply.
Mbeti B which draws water from Kiringa River benefits residents of Thaita, Kangaita, Mugwandi, Kiandieri, Kabumbu and Gitumbi villages while Kiangima water project benefits Kiawakara, Kagunyu and Thaita villages and draws water from Rutui river and Kangaita stream.
The governor pointed out that the initiative was part of an elaborate plan by her administration to increase access to both domestic and irrigation water, noting that she has accomplished more than 70 water projects in the county.
“These projects include sinking of boreholes, distribution of water pipes and fittings and construction of water tanks for community water projects. We have also been distributing water tanks and rehabilitating our major rivers such as Thiba and Nyamindi”, she said, adding that the county government has set aside Ksh. 115 million for rehabilitation of irrigation canals in Mwea irrigation scheme to enable our farmers increase rice production.
She noted that the county was also looking forward to the construction of South Ngariama-Murinduko and Nyamindi Dams in Mwea and Gikumbo Dam in Ndia/Central which will increase land under irrigation.
“Irrigation contributes significantly to agricultural productivity by providing year-round crop production, drought mitigation, increased crop yields, crop diversification, and improved farmer livelihoods, increased employment, environmental sustainability, and food price stability” said the governor, reaffirming her commitment to increasing agricultural production, citing its importance to the county’s economy.
