Nyeri Farmers to Benefit as National Irrigation Authority Rolls Out Major Irrigation Projects

The National Irrigation Authority is expanding irrigated farming in Nyeri County through major strategic projects aimed at transforming agriculture into a reliable and profitable venture. 

On Wednesday, the Authority hosted the Cabinet Secretary for Water, Sanitation, and Irrigation, Mugaa Eric, for a visit that highlighted both progress and promise. The tour included an inspection of the Changachicha Irrigation Project in Othaya and the official launch of the Hika Irrigation Project in Mathira.

This marked an important step forward in the government’s plan to ensure food security, improve household incomes, and strengthen rural economies. By investing in irrigation, the Authority is reducing dependence on rainfall and protecting farmers from the risks of climate change.

Changachicha Irrigation Project: A Game-Changer for Othaya

The Changachicha Irrigation Project is one of the largest undertakings in Nyeri, with the capacity to transform farming for about 1,600 households. The project is designed not only to increase food production but also to improve water resource management across the region. By putting in place modern infrastructure, the project will allow farmers to access a reliable water supply, which will boost productivity and enable diversification of crops.

For many households in Othaya, the project promises more than just better harvests. It creates new opportunities for agribusiness, from supplying local markets with fresh produce to engaging in value addition through processing and packaging. As productivity increases, incomes will rise, local businesses will grow, and young people will have more reasons to stay and invest in agriculture rather than leaving for urban areas.

The Launch of Hika Irrigation Project

In Mathira, the Hika Irrigation Project was officially launched during the CS’s visit. This project will bring 200 acres under irrigation and directly benefit 400 households. With a secure water supply, farmers will cultivate high-value vegetables such as cabbages, kales, tomatoes, spinach, and carrots. These crops not only guarantee household food security but also provide consistent income through sales in local and regional markets.

The Hika project is particularly important because it introduces a shift from subsistence farming to commercial agriculture. Farmers will no longer depend solely on unpredictable rainfall but will instead plan their production cycles with confidence. By focusing on vegetables with strong demand, households will be able to increase profits, improve nutrition, and build financial resilience.

A High-Level Government Visit

The inspection and launch were attended by senior government leaders, demonstrating the significance placed on these projects. CS Mugaa Eric was accompanied by the Principal Secretary for Irrigation, Ephantus Kimotho, the Nyeri County Commissioner, and several Members of Parliament. Their presence highlighted the strong partnership between national leadership, local administration, and the communities that stand to benefit.

The National Irrigation Authority’s Chief Executive Officer, Eng. Charles Muasya, and Board Chairman, Eng. Gilbert Maluki, briefed the delegation on the progress of works, milestones achieved, and the expected socio-economic benefits of the projects. Their updates underlined the careful planning and execution involved in ensuring that the projects deliver tangible results to the people.

Strengthening Water Management and Food Security

One of the greatest advantages of these irrigation projects is the way they improve water resource management. By developing structured irrigation systems, farmers no longer depend on uncertain rainfall. Instead, they can access water consistently, plan ahead, and avoid crop failure during dry seasons.

This stability ensures food availability throughout the year, lowering the risk of shortages and price spikes in local markets. Families can rely on steady harvests, while communities build resilience against the challenges of climate change. At the same time, the efficient use of water resources helps to protect the environment and sustain long-term agricultural production.

Opportunities for Economic Growth

Both Changachicha and Hika projects will unlock new economic opportunities for Nyeri residents. Increased production of vegetables will stimulate trade within local markets, supply produce to larger towns, and even open doors to exports. As farmers earn more, they will reinvest in their farms, adopt modern techniques, and create demand for farm-related services.

The multiplier effect is powerful. Traders, transporters, suppliers of farm inputs, and small businesses in surrounding centers will benefit from the increased flow of goods and money. Local economies will grow stronger, and with more disposable income, households will afford better education, healthcare, and housing.

The Role of Collaboration

CS Mugaa Eric emphasized the importance of collaborative work in ensuring the success of these projects. Irrigation projects do not succeed through government funding alone. They require the commitment of communities, county governments, and local leaders to work together.

When farmers form structured groups, such as Water Users Associations, they take responsibility for maintaining and protecting infrastructure. This collective ownership ensures projects are not only successful in the short term but sustainable for decades. Local leaders also play a critical role in mobilizing communities, addressing concerns, and aligning government investments with grassroots needs.

Building Strong Community Ownership

A key lesson from irrigation projects across the country is that success depends heavily on community ownership. Farmers who view irrigation systems as their own assets are more likely to protect them from damage, vandalism, or misuse. This sense of responsibility is cultivated when communities elect leaders, contribute to maintenance, and see firsthand how irrigation transforms their lives.

By establishing strong management structures, projects like Hika and Changachicha will avoid common pitfalls and remain functional long after their launch. With effective leadership, transparency, and accountability, the benefits will not only reach the current generation but also be passed on to the next.

Irrigation as a Tool for Transformation

The long-term vision behind these projects goes beyond farming. Irrigation is a tool for transformation. It creates employment for the youth, reduces poverty, and supports the government’s food security agenda. By making agriculture more reliable and profitable, irrigation can change the perception of farming from a survival activity to a business opportunity.

In Nyeri, where farming has been the backbone of livelihoods for generations, irrigation offers a way to modernize the sector. Families who once depended on small rain-fed harvests will now have the potential to run farming enterprises. This transformation will ripple across the county, positioning Nyeri as a model for other regions in Kenya.

A Future Secured Through Irrigation

The expansion of irrigated agriculture in Nyeri County is more than just an infrastructure investment. It is a promise of better lives, stronger communities, and a secure food future. The Changachicha and Hika projects are milestones in this journey, showing what is possible when government leadership, technical expertise, and community participation come together.

The pledge of support from CS Mugaa Eric, the guidance from the National Irrigation Authority, and the involvement of local leaders form a solid foundation for success. But the ultimate test lies in how communities embrace these opportunities, protect their infrastructure, and take ownership of the projects.

Conclusion

Nyeri County is on the verge of a new agricultural chapter. With the Changachicha and Hika Irrigation Projects, farmers have the chance to break free from the limitations of rain-fed agriculture and embrace modern, profitable, and sustainable farming practices. The benefits are clear: improved food security, higher incomes, stronger local economies, and resilience against climate change.

If the momentum is maintained and communities fully engage, these projects will not only transform Nyeri but also serve as a model for other counties. Irrigation is not just about water; it is about hope, opportunity, and a secure future for generations to come.

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