Waiguru steps up irrigation water supply to villages in Mwea to spur small-scale farming.
Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru has said that her administration has stepped up efforts to extend piped irrigation and domestic water supply to all villages in the county
Waiguru says that she has increased the budget allocation to extend water supply for small-scale farming to enhance agricultural production and productivity which will in turn improve the livelihoods of the county farmers.
Speaking at South Ngariama village in Mwea Constituency, Waiguru said the area is one the villages that will benefit from ongoing expansion and extension of existing water supply projects.
The governor said the county government is set to launch phase two of the Mugamba Ciura-South Ngariama water project.
“I want to say that we are committed to ensuring every home has piped water in line with our vision of ensuring access to clean water by all households as a way of improving the hygienic standards in the county,” Waiguru said.
County Executive Committee (CEC) member for Finance and Economic Planning Jackline Njogu said extension of water supply from Mugamba Ciura to South Ngariama is expected to be complete by July next year.
Waiguru said over 3,000 residents from Nyangati ward in Mwea Constituency will additionally benefit from pipes for two irrigation projects.
The governor distributed pipes and assorted fittings to Kirimara and Musagondi Irrigation Water Projects to enable members practice farming without having to solely depend on rain water.
While giving out the pipes, Waiguru said that the initiative is part of the County Government’s elaborate plan to ensure that there is adequate irrigation water that will enhance agricultural production and productivity.
“The two irrigation water projects are expected to benefit residents of Kangondo, Kagumo, Mururi, Mijikenda, Kangu and Musagondi villages. The pipes will enable them redirect and distribute water from Nyamindi River to their farms thus reducing their dependency on rain water,” said the governor.
She noted that her administration has undertaken more than 66 projects in a bid to increase access to both domestic and irrigation water. She also stated that Ksh. 115 million has been set aside for rehabilitation of Mwea rice irrigation canals to enhance rice production.
The Council of Governors (CoG) Chair added that the planned construction of South Ngariama-Murinduko and Nyamindi Dams in Mwea and Gikumbo Dam in Ndia/ Kirinyaga Central will increase land under irrigation and enhance land under irrigation.
Irrigation plays a significant role in enhancing farming by providing several benefits that improve agricultural productivity such as year-round crop production, drought mitigation, increased crop yields, crop diversification, and improved livelihoods for farmers, increased employment, environmental sustainability and stability in food prices
Waiguru reiterated her commitment in promoting agricultural production given that it is the backbone of the county’s economy.
