Francis Wambugu Irungu The government is ramping up investments in irrigation infrastructure to reduce Kenya’s dependence on rain-fed agriculture, a move aimed at stabilizing food production amid increasingly unpredictable weather patterns.
Water, Sanitation and Irrigation Cabinet Secretary Eric Mugaa announced the ministry’s strategic pivot during a citizen engagement forum, aimed at decentralizing government services to residents at Kianwe Primary School in Kirinyaga County on January 18, 2025. The event, organized by the Mercy Wanjau Foundation and the Mount Kenya Caucus, highlighted the critical role of irrigation in securing the country’s food supply.
“On my way here, I saw crops drying up due to insufficient rains,” Mugaa observed, emphasizing that farmers must now embrace irrigation as a viable alternative to traditional rain-dependent farming methods.
The CS pointed to the success of the Mwea Irrigation Scheme as a model for sustainable agriculture. The scheme consistently supplies water to rice farmers, enabling reliable harvests regardless of seasonal rainfall variations, a stark contrast to regions where yields plummet when weather patterns shift.
Central to this transformation is the National Infrastructure Fund, which the ministry has prioritized to secure financing for dam construction and water supply projects across the country. These investments are expected to address persistent challenges including inadequate and erratic rainfall that have undermined food security.
Mugaa, who commissioned the Kandeki Irrigation Project last November, outlined several flagship initiatives underway in Kirinyaga County: The Gichugu Water Supply Project, the Kiamuguongo-Ndia Water Supply Project, and the Ngariama-Njukiini Water Supply Project. These developments are designed to provide reliable water access and shield farmers from the vagaries of climate change.
The Cabinet Secretary also used the platform to appeal for unity among Mt. Kenya residents, urging them to reject divisions based on language, borders, or other differences. “The people from Mt. Kenya are one, and our unity is our strength,” he stated, cautioning that internal discord could obscure recognition of government development efforts.
Addressing youth concerns, Mugaa called on young people to shun drugs and substance abuse, describing them as “the foundation and future of our society.” He emphasized that leaders bear responsibility for tackling this challenge, which continues to devastate families across the region.
The CS commended Mercy Wanjau and the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) for their collaborative efforts in the forum and addressing community concerns.
