Irrigation Projects in Mathira Promise Food Security amid Vandalism Threats

The Ministry of Water, Sanitation, and Irrigation has continued to expand its footprint in Nyeri County through the launch of the Hika Irrigation Project and inspection of the Changachicha Irrigation Project. 

The Principal Secretary for Irrigation, Ephantus Kimotho, together with the Cabinet Secretary, visited Mathira to witness the progress and officially unveil new initiatives. This effort marks another bold step in transforming farming into a more reliable and profitable venture for local communities.

The projects are expected to strengthen food security, create income opportunities, and reduce farmers’ reliance on unpredictable rainfall. For years, farmers in the area have faced the challenge of inconsistent weather patterns. By introducing structured irrigation, the Ministry aims to guarantee that high-value crops can thrive all year round, bringing stability to households and boosting the region’s economy.

The Promise of the Hika Irrigation Project

The newly launched Hika Irrigation Project will cover 200 acres and directly benefit 400 households in Mathira. With water supply secured, farmers will now be in a position to grow crops that have a consistent market demand, including cabbages, kales, tomatoes, spinach, and carrots. These crops not only contribute to household food security but also provide surplus produce that can be sold in local markets, giving families much-needed income.

The scale of the project demonstrates the government’s commitment to making irrigation farming accessible to more people. Instead of relying solely on rain-fed agriculture, the farmers of Mathira now have a chance to plan their production cycles, improve yields, and venture into agribusiness. A project of this size also creates indirect benefits such as the growth of local trading centers, improved nutrition, and stronger resilience against climate change.

A Setback at Changachicha Irrigation Project

While the launch of the Hika project was met with optimism, the inspection of the Changachicha Irrigation Project revealed a worrying challenge. Sections of the infrastructure had been vandalized, compromising the efficiency of the system. Vandalism not only delays progress but also increases maintenance costs, diverting resources that could have been used to expand services to more farmers.

The damage at Changachicha is a reminder that government projects require community protection to succeed. Without the cooperation of locals, even the most well-designed infrastructure will fail to deliver its full benefits. It is therefore critical for residents to take ownership of the investments made in their region. Protecting irrigation facilities is the first step toward ensuring long-term agricultural growth and securing the livelihoods that depend on it.

Why Community Ownership Matters

To address the issue of sustainability, the PS called on residents to form Irrigation Water Users Associations (IWUAs). These associations will allow farmers to come together, elect officials, and collectively manage the projects. Through IWUAs, communities will contribute operation and maintenance fees, which will ensure that irrigation systems remain functional for years to come.

Structured leadership at the local level is an important ingredient for success. With organized management, communities will not only safeguard the infrastructure but also create a culture of accountability and transparency. When everyone plays a role, projects stop being seen as government property and instead become community assets. This shift in mindset strengthens the chances of long-term success, as people are more likely to protect and maintain what they own.

The Role of Local Leadership

During the visit, Mathira Member of Parliament, Eric Wamumbi, pledged his full support for the irrigation projects. Such political goodwill is essential in aligning government efforts with the needs of the community. Local leaders play a crucial role in mobilizing residents, facilitating cooperation, and ensuring that national development plans reach the grassroots effectively.

When leaders at both county and national levels speak in one voice, projects gain momentum and achieve greater impact. Political backing also encourages transparency, as leaders remain accountable for ensuring the communities they represent benefit fully from the investments. This harmony between policy and implementation is what will allow irrigation projects in Mathira to achieve their intended results.

Farming as a Tool for Transformation

The benefits of irrigation farming go beyond food production. When farmers are assured of a steady water supply, they can take calculated risks by growing crops that are more profitable in the market. This kind of boldness is often lacking in rain-fed agriculture, where uncertainty discourages investment in high-value crops.

With the ability to grow vegetables consistently, Mathira farmers can supply both local and urban markets without interruption. Over time, this will build a reputation for the area as a reliable source of fresh produce. The multiplier effect of such developments is significant, as better incomes from farming lead to improved education, healthcare, and overall living standards.

Tackling the Challenge of Vandalism

The vandalism of infrastructure at Changachicha highlights the urgent need for community vigilance. Irrigation systems require heavy financial investment, and when damaged, they slow down progress for everyone. While the government is committed to repairing and expanding such projects, local communities must also take responsibility.

Awareness campaigns can play an important role in educating residents about the value of these projects. People must understand that when infrastructure is destroyed, it is not the government that suffers most but the farmers themselves. Collective monitoring, reporting of suspicious activity, and collaboration with local security officers are ways to ensure such incidents do not recur.

Building Partnerships for Success

The Ministry of Water, Sanitation, and Irrigation has reaffirmed its commitment to working with county governments to deliver projects that truly transform lives. Partnerships between the two levels of government ensure that resources are pooled and challenges addressed more effectively. Counties are often closer to the people and better positioned to mobilize communities, while the national government provides funding and technical expertise.

Such collaborations also allow for the scaling up of successful projects to other regions. Lessons learned from Hika and Changachicha can inform future initiatives, ensuring that every project is more effective than the last. When government agencies, local leaders, and communities move in the same direction, irrigation projects will not only meet but exceed expectations.

The Bigger Picture of Food Security

Kenya’s broader vision of food security depends heavily on irrigation. With climate change disrupting traditional weather patterns, the reliance on rain-fed agriculture has become unsustainable. Irrigation provides a reliable alternative that shields farmers from drought and unpredictable rainfall.

Projects like Hika and Changachicha are not just local investments but part of a national strategy to ensure every Kenyan has access to affordable food. By empowering communities to grow more, earn more, and save more, irrigation becomes a tool for poverty reduction and social stability. As the country looks toward the future, scaling up irrigation will remain one of the most effective ways to secure food security and economic growth.

A Call to Action for Residents

For the people of Mathira, the message is clear: protect and own these projects to reap their full benefits. Irrigation infrastructure is a valuable gift that can lift families out of poverty and provide generations with sustainable livelihoods. The call to form Water Users Associations and contribute to maintenance fees is not just a request but a practical solution for long-term success.

By embracing this responsibility, residents will ensure that vandalism becomes a thing of the past, and that projects remain fully functional. The future of farming in Nyeri depends on this spirit of collective responsibility and unity.

Conclusion

The launch of the Hika Irrigation Project and inspection of the Changachicha Irrigation Project represent both progress and challenge. On one hand, farmers are being empowered with tools to transform their livelihoods, while on the other, acts of vandalism threaten to undo these gains. The balance between success and setback lies in the hands of the community.

Through structured leadership, political support, and active partnerships, irrigation projects in Mathira can serve as a model for the rest of the country. If residents embrace ownership and protect the infrastructure, then the dream of food security and agricultural transformation will not just remain an ambition but will become a reality.

Article by Victor Patience Oyuko. To buy coffee 0708 883 777.