Food Security Boosted as National Irrigation Authority Advance Mulwaper Irrigation Project

 

The National Irrigation Authority continues to strengthen its commitment to transforming rural livelihoods through modern irrigation systems. In Marakwet East Constituency of Elgeyo Marakwet County, Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of Water, Sanitation and Irrigation Mugaa Eric, accompanied by Principal Secretary for the State Department for Irrigation CPA Ephantus Kimotho, Marakwet East Member of Parliament Hon. Bowen Kagongo, and the Chief Executive Officer of the National Irrigation Authority Eng. Charles Muasya, inspected the ongoing construction of the Mulwaper Irrigation Project.

The inspection visit highlighted the government’s determination to deliver on promises of food security and economic empowerment, especially in semi-arid areas where traditional rain-fed farming is no longer reliable. The high-level delegation’s presence underscored the importance of the project not only to Elgeyo Marakwet but also to the broader national agenda of increasing agricultural productivity.

Construction Milestones Achieved

The Mulwaper Irrigation Project officially began in June 2024 and has recorded steady progress since its launch. As of now, construction works are at 48 percent completion, with key components already underway. The project features the construction of a weir to divert water, a self-cleaning sedimentation basin to improve water quality, a conveyance pipeline to transport water, and a 250 cubic metre storage tank designed to regulate supply. In addition, laterals and feeder canals are being developed to ensure water is delivered efficiently to farms.

These infrastructure elements are critical in building a system that is sustainable, reliable, and capable of meeting the agricultural demands of the region. By investing in such modern facilities, the government is ensuring that water delivery will be consistent and resilient against natural blockages and seasonal variations.

Once complete, the Mulwaper Irrigation Project will cover 300 acres, directly benefiting about 1,000 households in the region. For many families in Marakwet East, this project represents a new dawn. It will provide the means to move beyond subsistence farming and into more profitable and diverse agricultural practices.

The range of crops to be supported is wide and carefully selected. Cereal farming will include both seed maize and commercial maize, as well as sorghum and millet. These are not only staple foods but also crops with a strong market demand. For pulses, farmers will cultivate green grams, beans, and cowpeas; important both for household nutrition and income. In horticulture, the project will support the growth of vegetables and fruits such as spinach, kales, tomatoes, onions, and watermelon. This mix of crops is designed to meet immediate household food needs while also opening avenues for commercial sales.

Elgeyo Marakwet, like many other parts of the country, has faced the harsh consequences of unreliable rainfall. Crop failures, food shortages, and economic vulnerability have been recurring challenges for decades. The Mulwaper project aims to change this narrative by ensuring that water for farming is available throughout the year.

With consistent irrigation, farmers will no longer plant in fear of failed rains. Instead, they will plan confidently, knowing that their crops will mature and reach the market. This stability is a cornerstone of food security, ensuring that families have reliable access to nutritious food, while also contributing surplus to local and regional markets.

Beyond feeding households, irrigation projects have a powerful ripple effect on local economies. When farmers begin producing more and diversifying their crops, the demand for farm inputs such as seeds, fertilizers, and tools increases. Traders and transporters also benefit as the flow of goods from farms to markets grows.

The Mulwaper project will therefore do more than transform individual farms. It will stimulate business activity in nearby trading centers, encourage youth to take up agribusiness, and attract investment into related sectors such as storage, packaging, and food processing. By creating a cycle of productivity and trade, irrigation becomes a driver of rural economic development.

The presence of leaders from both the national and county levels during the inspection is a testament to the power of collaboration. The Cabinet Secretary, the Principal Secretary, Members of Parliament, and the National Irrigation Authority all share a common vision of ensuring that irrigation projects deliver tangible benefits to citizens.

Such teamwork is essential in overcoming challenges such as resource allocation, infrastructure development, and community mobilization. By working together, leaders guarantee that the project not only moves forward smoothly but also enjoys the political goodwill and administrative support needed for long-term sustainability.

The technical aspects of the Mulwaper project highlight a deliberate effort to incorporate modern solutions into irrigation farming. The self-cleaning sedimentation basin, for example, will prevent silt build-up, reducing the need for frequent maintenance and ensuring uninterrupted water flow. The storage tank will balance supply, making water available even during peak demand periods.

These innovations reflect a shift away from outdated, labour-intensive systems toward efficient, durable solutions. Farmers will not only gain access to water but also benefit from infrastructure designed for longevity and reduced maintenance costs. This reliability is key in encouraging farmers to make long-term investments in their farms.

At a national level, the Mulwaper Irrigation Project is aligned with Kenya’s broader agenda of achieving food security, reducing poverty, and creating employment opportunities. With climate change intensifying, the government has recognized that irrigation is not just an option but a necessity. Projects like Mulwaper are part of a larger framework that seeks to modernize agriculture, reduce dependence on imports, and empower rural communities to be self-sufficient.

The government’s investment in irrigation is also a response to the need for inclusive growth. By focusing on areas like Elgeyo Marakwet, which have historically faced development challenges, the state is ensuring that no region is left behind. This equity-driven approach fosters national unity while addressing local needs.

For the 1,000 households set to benefit directly, the project promises more than increased harvests. It will change how families live, educate their children, and plan for the future. Income from surplus produce will enable better access to healthcare, improved housing, and greater opportunities for children to pursue education.

Communities will also experience improved nutrition as diverse crops become available year-round. Instead of relying on a narrow range of staples, families will enjoy vegetables, fruits, and pulses that strengthen diets and improve health outcomes. This is particularly significant for children and women, who are most affected by malnutrition in drought-prone regions.

With the project set for completion by December 2025, the next two years will be crucial. Timely implementation, continued funding, and strong community engagement will determine how successfully the project delivers on its promises. Farmers in Marakwet East are already hopeful, as the progress achieved so far shows clear commitment from both government and implementing agencies.

As the construction work advances toward completion, the focus will gradually shift to training communities, forming water user associations, and building local capacity to manage and sustain the project. This community ownership will be the final ingredient that ensures Mulwaper does not become just another infrastructure project but a living system that transforms lives for generations.

The Mulwaper Irrigation Project is more than pipes, tanks, and canals. It is a symbol of hope and renewal for Elgeyo Marakwet. With 48 percent of the work already done, the journey to irrigate 300 acres and benefit 1,000 households is well underway. By supporting cereal, pulse, and horticultural farming, the project will deliver food security, create economic opportunities, and strengthen resilience in an area that has long struggled with drought.

The partnership between the Ministry of Water, Sanitation, and Irrigation, the State Department for Irrigation, the National Irrigation Authority, and local leadership has set the stage for lasting impact. Once complete, Mulwaper will stand as proof that with vision, collaboration, and persistence, irrigation can unlock the full potential of Kenya’s rural communities.

Article by Victor Patience Oyuko. To buy coffee: 0708883777