Kenya Kwanza Government Invests Ksh 9 Billion for Irrigated Agriculture and Climate Resilience in Mt. Kenya Region


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, and Maara Dam in Tharaka Nithi County. 

In Nyeri County, the state department has completed the Kaigunji and Changachicha irrigation projects. The Banita Irrigation project is in Nakuru County. These projects have put 74,270 acres under irrigation, with an additional 35,259 acres expected to be irrigated upon completion of ongoing projects.

These projects have a collective capacity to irrigate over 8 million acres of land, significantly boosting agricultural productivity and creating more than 176,000 jobs. 

By investing in irrigation infrastructure, the government aims to enhance the region's ability to withstand climate-related challenges, such as droughts and other extreme weather events.

The benefits of these projects extend beyond economic gains. They contribute to improved food security by increasing agricultural production and ensuring a stable food supply for the region. Additionally, the jobs created by these projects uplift families and communities, enhancing their livelihoods. 

The projects also promote environmental stewardship through sustainable water use and climate-smart practices, contributing to long-term ecological balance.

This bold commitment by the Kenya Kwanza government underscores its determination to lead in climate action and the importance of collaboration between government, communities, and private sector partners. As the Mt. Kenya region thrives, it sets an inspiring example for other areas facing similar challenges countrywide. 

By Victor Oyuko. To buy coffee: 0708883777 

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