KENYA MOJA

Photo: Irrigation PS Ephantus Kimotho with National Land Commission Chairman Mr Otachi during a recent meeting.  On Thursday, a pivotal consultative meeting was held to address the pressing land compensation issues surrounding the Mwache Multipurpose Dam project.  The meeting, chaired by Irrigation Principal Secretary Ephantus Kimotho, brought together key stakeholders, including the Chair and CEO of the National Land Commission (NLC), Mr. Gershom Otachi and Ms. Kabale Tache, respectively, along with local leaders from Kwale County. The primary focus of the discussion was to advance the Mwache Dam project, a significant government flagship initiative under Vision 2030.  This project, listed among the 100 large dams under the Kenya Kwanza government, aims to alleviate clean water supply shortages in Mombasa City and Kwale County. Once completed, the dam is expected to supply 186,000 cubic meters of clean water per day to these regions. Addressing Land Compensation Challeng...

The Lower Kuja Irrigation Scheme Phase II was officially launched by President William Ruto on Wednesday, heralding a transformative expansion from 7,718 to 19,000 acres of irrigated land.  This ambitious initiative aims to significantly boost rice production, currently at 7,310 metric tonnes from 2,150 acres, by adding an additional 12,000 acres under irrigation. The project encompasses a comprehensive network of 206.1 km for water conveyance, 474 km of drainage canals, and 212 km of on-farm roads. Additionally, a proposed multipurpose dam in Gogo (Nyatike) could elevate irrigation capacity to a staggering 50,000 acres, reducing Kenya's reliance on rice imports and enhancing food security. Irrigation PS Ephantus Kimotho expressed optimism, stating that upon completion, the project will help the government reduce its rice import bill and move towards self-sufficiency in rice production.  This transformative scheme not only empowers local farmers but also aligns with the govern...

  Photo: PS Ephantus Kimotho during a site visit of the Mwache Dam Project.  In a strategic move that underscores the government's commitment to water security and agricultural development, the government has allocated SH500 million for land compensation for project affected persons in relation to the Mwache Dam project.  This bold step not only paves the way for the dam's construction but also demonstrates a profound respect for the local community and their role in this transformative endeavor. With the visionary leadership of PS Ephantus Kimotho, this project aims to harness the power of water to drive irrigated agricultural productivity, enhance food security, and ultimately, transform the lives of countless Kenyans. The allocation of SH500 million for land compensation is a testament to the government's dedication to ensuring a smooth and equitable process.  By prioritizing the needs of local landowners, PS Kimotho has fostered a sense of trust and collaboration...

  The Mwache Dam Project in Kwale County stands as a beacon of hope for water security and agricultural sustainability in Kenya, spearheaded by Irrigation PS Ephantus Kimotho.  This ambitious initiative aims to provide clean water and enhance irrigation across the region, directly benefiting over 626,200 people.  Located along the Mwache River, about 22 kilometers west of Mombasa, the dam will supply an impressive 186,000 cubic meters of water daily, serving domestic needs and irrigating up to 1,000 acres, positively impacting the livelihoods of more than 2,000 farmers.  Construction began in March 2023 and is currently 40% complete, with a projected completion date in 2027. Speaking during an interview with local media stations at the coast, PS Kimotho emphasized that the government is actively securing additional funds to ensure fair compensation for all project-affected persons.  The Mwache Dam Project is not just about infrastructure; it's about transforming...

In a world where energy consumption is on the rise and environmental concerns are becoming increasingly urgent, the need for sustainable solutions has never been more critical.  Enter Bush Solar Lights, a beacon of hope in the realm of renewable energy, owned and operated by the visionary Gideon Kitheka. Located in the heart of Nairobi at Garberone House, Bush Solar Lights is revolutionizing the way Kenyans illuminate their homes and businesses, one solar light at a time. Gideon Kitheka’s journey into the solar energy sector is fueled by a profound passion for green renewable energy. His commitment to sustainability is not just a business endeavor; it is a mission to empower communities and promote environmental stewardship.  With a deep understanding of the challenges posed by traditional energy sources, Gideon has dedicated his career to providing affordable, reliable, and eco-friendly lighting solutions that cater to the diverse needs of Kenyans. At Bush Solar Lights, affor...

  In a significant stride towards the realization of the Mwache Multipurpose Dam project, the government has taken a crucial step by disbursing Sh500 million as the first batch of compensation to project-affected persons.  This milestone marks a turning point in the project's progress, as the State Department of Irrigation, under the leadership of Principal Secretary Ephantus Kimotho, remains steadfast in its commitment to restoring the livelihoods of those impacted by the dam's construction. The Mwache Dam project, a vital infrastructure development initiative, has been a subject of keen interest and anticipation among the residents of Kwale County and the surrounding regions.  The dam, once completed, will serve as a crucial water source, providing a reliable supply for domestic, agricultural, and industrial use. It will also play a pivotal role in mitigating the effects of drought and enhancing food security in the area. Speaking on the compensation process, Principal ...

The State Department of Irrigation, led by PS Ephantus Kimotho, has joined forces with the State Department for Trade, led by PS Alfred Kombudo, to revolutionize Kenya's irrigated agricultural landscape by enhancing the value of irrigation produce.  This partnership also includes the Warehouse Receipt System Council and USAID Kenya, all working towards a common goal of empowering farmers and transforming the sector. At the heart of this collaboration lies the implementation of a cutting-edge warehousing and receipting system designed to benefit farmers. This innovative system focuses on two critical areas: rice storage and cold storage for horticultural output. By streamlining storage processes, it aims to significantly boost the economic value of irrigation produce.  The key benefits of this system are substantial. First, it promotes financial inclusion and deepening by opening doors for farmers to access financing based on their stored produce. With proper documentation and ...

Irrigation PS Ephantus Kimotho with President William Ruto during the launch of the Iriari Irrigation Project.  The Iriari Irrigation Project, officially launched by H.E. President Dr. William Ruto on Wednesday, is a significant development initiative aimed at transforming agriculture and promoting economic prosperity in Embu County.  The project is a collaborative effort between the government and local communities, with the goal of harnessing water resources to enhance food production and livelihoods. The Iriari Irrigation Project is strategically located in Embu County, drawing water from the Thuci River. Its primary objective is to irrigate 500 acres of farmland, benefiting more than 500 farmers in the region. By providing a reliable water supply, the project aims to boost agricultural productivity and improve food security. Upon completion, the Iriari Irrigation Project is expected to directly employ 1,650 people. Additionally, it will create indirect employment for appro...

  The Rwabura Irrigation Project, located in Gatundu South Constituency of Kiambu County, was officially commissioned by H.E. President William Ruto on February 16, 2024.  The project, which covers an area of approximately 13.4 km2 and is expected to benefit over 20,000 households, was mooted by farmers in the project area after witnessing the benefits accrued by irrigation farmers in other parts of the country. During the commissioning ceremony, Irrigation PS Ephantus Kimotho introduced VegPro, a major offtaker, to the project. VegPro's involvement as an offtaker is crucial as it ensures a stable market for the produce from the irrigation scheme, providing farmers with a reliable source of income. The project aims to determine and develop the optimal irrigable area within the Rwabura and Thiririka river system through the development of efficient conveyance and irrigation systems, including water storage reservoirs.  The specific objectives of the project are to improve ...

Photo: PS Ephantus Kimotho with President William Ruto during a development tour in Mt. Kenya.  The Kenya Kwanza government has invested a staggering Ksh 9 billion over the past 21 months to bolster irrigated farming and enhance climate resilience in the Mt. Kenya region, Irrigation Principal Secretary Ephantus Kimotho revealed in an interview on a vernacular radio station.  This strategic initiative aims to improve food security, create jobs, and substitute imports, while mitigating the impact of climate change on agriculture. The investment has been channeled into various irrigation and dam projects across several counties in the Mt. Kenya region.  Some of the PPP/social dams include Thiba Dam in Kirinyaga County, which has supported double cropping and will expand the irrigated area from 25,000 acres to 35,000 acres once the canals are complete. Other projects are the Thuci PPP dam in Embu County, Rwabura and Thiririka dams in Kiambu County, Githinu Dam in Meru County,...

On July 31, 2024, Kenya's irrigation sector witnessed a momentous occasion as Irrigation PS Ephantus Kimotho welcomed Ms. Krostina Laarman, the incoming Country Director for KfW, and bid farewell to Mr. Oskar von Maltzan, the outgoing country director.  This transition marks a pivotal point in Kenya's agricultural landscape, with PS Kimotho at the helm. PS Kimotho's Accomplishments During Mr. Oskar's tenure, the State Department for Irrigation achieved remarkable milestones. Nineteen irrigation projects were completed, covering 5,460 acres and benefiting 6,088 farmers.  These projects generated over Ksh 1.092 million annually from high-value horticultural crops. PS Kimotho's leadership played a crucial role in these achievements, emphasizing sustainable water management and improved livelihoods for farmers. As Ms. Laarman assumes her role overseeing the Smallholder Irrigation Programme (SIPMK) Phase IV, she brings a wealth of experience in irrigated farming.  SIPMK ...

In a pivotal moment for Embu County, the Principal Secretary for Irrigation, CPA Ephantus Kimotho, convened a crucial meeting on Friday with ELEVO Group Company Ltd. Led by CEO Mr. Gilberto Rodrigues, the discussion centered around the ambitious construction of the Thuci Social Dam. This landmark project, facilitated through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) framework, promises to revolutionize irrigation and energy generation in the region. The Thuci Dam stands as one of the 100 priority dams slated for construction under the PPP framework. Its impressive specifications include a water capacity of 23 million cubic meters, capable of irrigating a sprawling 16,000 acres of land. Beyond irrigation, the dam will harness its hydropower potential to generate electricity, contributing to the county's energy needs. The Thuci Dam underscores the government's commitment to embracing PPP initiatives. By partnering with private investors, the project aims to create sustainable solutions ...