About 800 smallholder farmers in Kirinyaga are set to benefit from two major water projects to undertake irrigation farming that seeks to boost food production and increase income.
The Mitooini and Kandeki irrigation projects funded at a cost of about Sh.168 million by Kenya, German Government and Equity bank have put 708 acres of land under irrigation.
The two projects have been hailed as a game changer in creating a sustainable livelihood for smallholder farmers dependent on rain fed agriculture.
On Monday, a high-level delegation led by Water, Sanitation and Irrigation Cabinet Secretary Eric Mugaa, Kirinyaga Deputy Governor David Githanda, German Ambassador Sebastian Groth and Equity Group Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Dr. James Mwangi visited the two projects.
Speaking during the commissioning of the Kandeki project, Water, Sanitation and Irrigation Cabinet Secretary Eric Mugaa underscored the rapid gains farmers are realizing under irrigation.
“Irrigated farming is the way to go, these two community led projects are a good model that can be replicated across the country,” he said. He noted that with water from Thiba Dam, farmers in Mwea are now harvesting over 3 times a year.
The CS praised the project’s stability, noting that it has created jobs, proven sustainable and shielded households from unpredictable weather patterns.
On his part, Githanda said the county has built a strong foundation to help farmers maximise benefits from the irrigation schemes.
“We have walked with our farmers throughout this journey,” he said, adding that the Kangai Propagation Centre, which targets to produce 500,000 seedlings every season, and the Sagana Industrial Park will give farmers a modern and reliable market outlet.
He said Kirinyaga is true testament of how irrigation farming can boost farmers’ income.Ambassador Groth said the visit was meant to confirm how the investment is improving lives at the grassroots.
“Farming is essential in Kirinyaga. Agriculture remains the backbone of Kenya’s economy and we want to see how this programme is being implemented on the ground,” he stated.
On his part, Equity CEO said the bank is committed to making irrigation accessible and commercially viable for smallholder farmers.
“We are moving from rain-fed agriculture to irrigation-based farming to make agriculture sustainable,” he said.
He reported that Equity has already financed 24 irrigation schemes and targets more than 200 in the country, saying the community led model diversifies risk, improves crop quality and opens a clear path to prosperity.
At Mitooini, Cooperative Chairman Evan Muriuki Ngari recounted the group’s progress, saying the project had transformed their livelihoods. He reported that the group with 500 members producing at least 1,200 kg of bananas each, has invested in a cooler and hired an agronomist.
Daniel Muriuki, a tomato farmer at Kandeki, observed that the scheme has sharply increased productivity while cutting costs, saving households more than Sh.20, 000 by eliminating use of machinery.
Another Kandeki irrigation project beneficiary, Lorna Henry, said the project has restored hope among farming families and created more job opportunities.
She added that the next priority is market access and ensuring future generations are empowered.
