How Lower Kuja Irrigation Scheme is Leading Kenya’s Rice Revolution

By Victor Oyuko 

There is a quiet revolution taking place in Migori County. In the heart of Nyatike Sub-county, farmers from the Lower Kuja Irrigation Scheme have made headlines with a rare success story in Kenya’s agricultural sector. While most rice-growing regions in the country are struggling to catch up, these farmers are harvesting more rice per acre than the national average. Their story is a beacon of hope, a case study in what happens when government support meets community commitment.

Surpassing National Rice Yields

At a time when food security is a national concern, Lower Kuja is standing tall as a shining example of what focused investment, strategic partnerships, and grassroots commitment can achieve. The numbers speak volumes. While the national average rice yield stands at 2.8 tonnes per acre, farmers from the Lower Kuja Irrigation Scheme are averaging 3.6 tonnes per acre. That’s nearly an extra tonne of rice from every acre, an achievement that has put them in the national spotlight.

National Irrigation Authority Applauds Farmers

The National Irrigation Authority (NIA), which oversees irrigation projects across the country, has recognized the outstanding efforts of these farmers. According to Eng. Charles Muasya, the CEO of NIA, this scheme has outperformed all other rice projects in the country. And this isn’t just about statistics. It’s about transformation. It’s about what happens when local communities are empowered and given the tools to thrive.

It Didn’t Happen by Accident

But this story didn’t happen by accident. It took planning, government goodwill, strategic partnerships, and, most importantly, the patience and cooperation of the farmers themselves.

Compensation for Infrastructure Expansion

To make all this possible, the government rolled out a compensation package to support infrastructure expansion within the Lower Kuja scheme. This move was necessary to pave the way for canal construction, which would improve water distribution across the entire scheme.

A total of Sh152 million was allocated for this effort, and so far, Sh36 million has already been disbursed to affected farmers. In April, 77 farmers received Sh17 million, and more recently, an additional 177 farmers shared Sh15.2 million. This financial support is helping smoothen the process of land acquisition and wayleave agreements that are essential for the project’s full success.

Steady Leadership from PS CPA Ephantus Kimotho

It’s important to acknowledge the role of CPA Ephantus Kimotho, the Principal Secretary at the State Department of Irrigation. His steady leadership and support have been instrumental in moving this project forward. Through his office, the government has kept its promise to stand by the farmers and ensure they are not left behind as the irrigation scheme expands.

A Booming Local Economy

Lower Kuja currently has 7,200 acres under rice cultivation. This alone brings in Sh3.7 billion every year in revenue. That’s not just a number, it’s a life-changing figure for the local economy. It means money in farmers’ pockets, jobs for the youth, business for transporters and traders, and food on the tables of many Kenyan families. It shows that agriculture, when done right, is still one of the most powerful economic engines we have.

Even More Potential Ahead

But there’s even more potential.

The full scheme, once completed, will cover 19,000 acres. That means we haven’t even scratched the surface yet. However, progress has not been without challenges. A balance needs to be struck between development and the rights of landowners. Some farmers are yet to receive their compensation due to ongoing court cases and the absence of signed consent forms. NIA has expressed its willingness to pay the remaining Sh32 million, but this can only happen if the legal hurdles are cleared.

Building Trust Through Partnership

This is not just about giving farmers money, it’s about building trust and showing that the government is a partner, not a predator. As Eng. Muasya rightly noted, this is an opportunity for the community to reinvest in itself. If the farmers can come together and channel these funds into improving their farming practices and infrastructure, the results could be even more staggering in the coming years.

Market Access Through NCPB Depot

In fact, the foundation for this reinvestment is already being laid. The National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) has opened a depot in the area, providing farmers with a reliable, accessible market. No longer will they have to worry about middlemen underpricing their hard-earned produce. With a direct link to the market, farmers can negotiate better prices and ensure that the fruits of their labour translate into real economic gains.

A Future for the Youth

One can only imagine the impact this will have on the young people of Nyatike. With the right support, rice farming could become a dignified and rewarding career path. We could see the return of young professionals to the village, bringing with them fresh ideas, innovations, and a new sense of purpose.

Teamwork Behind the Success

Credit must also go to the local leadership and technical teams who have worked hand in hand with the farmers. But once again, it’s important to salute the efforts of PS CPA Ephantus Kimotho. His commitment to ensuring that irrigation remains a central pillar of Kenya’s development agenda is paying off in real time.

Decentralisation is Working

The story of Lower Kuja is a reminder that decentralisation works. Development doesn’t have to be Nairobi-centric. Rural areas have untapped potential, and with proper investment, they can drive national growth. The returns here are not just agricultural, they are social, economic, and even political.

Ripple Effects Across Society

The ripple effect of such a successful irrigation project will be felt in many sectors. Schools will have better-fed pupils. Health facilities will see fewer cases of malnutrition. Businesses will flourish. The local economy will grow. The county government will collect more revenue. This is what true transformation looks like.

The Work is Not Yet Done

But let’s be honest, this is not the end of the road. The momentum must be maintained. Farmers need training, access to affordable farm inputs, and strong cooperatives to help them negotiate better prices and access credit facilities. The government should continue to invest in post-harvest infrastructure to reduce losses. The NCPB depot should be upgraded over time into a full agro-processing centre. Let’s dream big.

Lessons for National Growth

And in dreaming, let’s not forget the lessons here. Success in agriculture is not just about good weather or fertile land. It’s about systems. It’s about planning. It’s about policies that favour the farmer, not the broker. It’s about leaders like CPA Ephantus Kimotho who understand that dignity begins with food on the table.

Kenya has everything it takes to feed itself and export surplus. Lower Kuja is showing us that it can be done. What we need now is to replicate this success across other counties. Let Kisumu, Busia, Tana River, and even Kilifi learn from this story. Let every irrigation scheme in the country adopt the discipline, structure, and cooperation that has turned Lower Kuja into a national success.

A Blueprint for Agricultural Transformation

At a time when many people are losing hope in public projects, this scheme is restoring faith. It proves that when the government and the people work together, great things happen.

So to the farmers of Lower Kuja, this country salutes you. To the National Irrigation Authority and CEO Eng. Muasya, your efforts are bearing fruit. And to PS CPA Ephantus Kimotho, thank you for believing in irrigation as the future of agriculture.

May this just be the beginning. Let Lower Kuja be the blueprint for Kenya’s agricultural transformation.

Article by Victor Patience Oyuko. To buy coffee: 0708883777