PS Kimotho Inspects Taita Taveta Irrigation Projects Aimed at Boosting Food Security

 By Victor Oyuko Oyuko

During a site visit to Taita Taveta County, Principal Secretary for Irrigation Ephantus Kimotho led a high-level team to inspect two major irrigation projects that are expected to improve food production, create jobs, and strengthen rural livelihoods. His visit, supported by county leaders and national agencies, focused on assessing the rehabilitation of the Buruma Irrigation Scheme and the development of the Lower River Lumi and Murabani Irrigation Project.

The inspection was part of the government’s wider effort to scale up irrigation infrastructure in key counties and ensure farming communities can access water all year round. PS Kimotho, speaking during the visit, reaffirmed the national government’s commitment under the leadership of the President to expand irrigated agriculture as a core strategy for economic transformation, food security, and household income growth.

Buruma Irrigation Scheme: Restoring and Expanding

One of the key stops during the inspection was the Buruma Irrigation Scheme, a project now undergoing major rehabilitation. This initiative is expected to increase food production from the current 3,000 tons to over 45,000 tons annually. The scale of growth reflects the government's seriousness in turning dormant or underperforming schemes into active contributors to Kenya’s food systems.

The benefits of this rehabilitation will go far beyond numbers. It is expected to create jobs within the agricultural value chain and directly benefit an estimated 135,000 people. These will include farmers, transporters, agribusinesses, and other service providers who depend on a reliable flow of produce and market activity.

PS Kimotho noted that Buruma’s improvement is not just about expanding acreage but about making irrigation more efficient and productive. The aim is to provide farmers with the confidence to invest more in their farms, knowing that water will be available consistently. That consistency is what turns seasonal farming into a reliable livelihood.

The project is part of the government’s wider approach of making irrigation the backbone of rural economies. The expected increase in yields and economic opportunities at Buruma is a sign of what can be achieved when public resources are directed to the right projects with the right partnerships.

Lower River Lumi and Murabani: Opening New Ground

The second focus of the inspection was the Lower River Lumi and Murabani Irrigation Project. This is a newer development aimed at expanding irrigated land from 12,855 acres to 20,000 acres. The impact of this project is expected to reach 6,500 households, enabling them to practice farming consistently, regardless of rainfall patterns.

The project will allow these households to farm throughout the year, improving food security and creating opportunities to grow and sell more produce. Beyond food production, it also holds the potential to raise incomes, support local businesses, and attract private investment in agri-processing and distribution.

The project is aligned with the government’s vision to transform counties like Taita Taveta into food production zones. PS Kimotho emphasized that irrigation is no longer a backup plan for dry seasons, but a main strategy for sustainable agriculture and economic resilience.

The work in River Lumi and Murabani is also about improving efficiency and delivering practical benefits to ordinary farmers. By expanding irrigated land and applying smart techniques, the government wants to reduce water waste while increasing productivity on every acre.

Local and National Collaboration in Action

The visit to the two sites reflected strong cooperation between the national and county governments. Governor Dr. Andrew Mwandime welcomed the inspection team and reiterated the county’s commitment to supporting the national irrigation agenda. His leadership has played a key role in making land and local coordination available for the successful rollout of these projects.

Also present were National Irrigation Authority CEO Eng. Charles Muasya, Irrigation Secretary Eng. Vincent Kabuti, Secretary for Land Reclamation and Climate Resilience Joel Tanui, and Taveta MP Hon. Bwire Okano. Their participation showed the level of coordination required for such large-scale projects to succeed.

The shared vision between national and county officials made it clear that irrigation development in Taita Taveta is not being handled in isolation. It is part of a long-term and structured plan to improve rural infrastructure, strengthen the economy, and ensure the country can feed its people more reliably.

The team reviewed progress on the ground, interacted with implementing staff, and assessed how quickly the projects could be completed and handed over for community use. The message from PS Kimotho was consistent: the government wants these projects to deliver real, measurable results—not years from now, but soon.

Government Commitment to Irrigation and Livelihoods

Throughout the visit, PS Kimotho made it clear that irrigation is not just about building canals and pumping water. It is about empowering farmers, giving them the tools and conditions they need to succeed. He explained that in areas like Taita Taveta, where rainfall is unreliable, irrigation offers farmers a new level of control over their work and income.

He also highlighted the importance of making these projects people-focused. That includes involving local communities, hiring locally where possible, and ensuring that the benefits of new infrastructure flow directly to the people who live and farm in the area. The projects are designed not only to support crops but to support livelihoods in a broad and inclusive way.

In his remarks, PS Kimotho acknowledged the role of national leadership, led by the President, in making irrigation a priority and allocating the necessary resources for implementation. He also appreciated the partnership with county governments and stakeholders who continue to support the rollout and maintenance of irrigation systems across Kenya.

The government, he noted, is focused on outcomes—more food on the table, better household incomes, and more jobs created from agriculture and its supporting sectors.

A Practical Path to Food Security

The irrigation projects in Taita Taveta are examples of the kind of work the government is undertaking to address food insecurity, climate unpredictability, and rural poverty. By investing in infrastructure that supports long-term agricultural production, the Ministry of Water, Sanitation and Irrigation is providing solutions that go beyond emergency relief and address the root causes of low productivity.

PS Kimotho’s visit showed the urgency with which the government is moving. These projects are not just promises—they are happening. What’s more, they are being done in a way that includes local voices, uses modern techniques, and aims for long-term sustainability.

For the farmers and families in Taita Taveta, the message was clear: government is listening, acting, and investing in their future. And with the right support and infrastructure, that future is beginning to look more stable, more productive, and more hopeful.

Article by Victor Patience Oyuko. To buy coffee: 0708883777