Jecinta Wambui, a small-scale farmer in Kangema, Murang’a County, has long struggled to support her family. Using one acre of her two-acre plot for food crops yielded little, while the other acre was dedicated to coffee.
However, everything changed with the completion of the Nyanjigi irrigation project by the National Irrigation Authority, which had been stalled since its community initiation in 2011. This project transformed Wambui’s farm, allowing her to grow and sell horticultural crops.
The project, which draws water from the Mathioya River, spans 500 acres and benefits around 1,000 households, enabling them to cultivate high-value crops like bananas, tomatoes, French beans, sweet potatoes, and kale.
“I started with cabbages, which thrived, then moved on to arrowroots. Now my farm is full of bananas and tomatoes that I sell for my livelihood,” Wambui shared.
Most of her family’s food comes from her farm, with surplus income used to purchase other essentials. “Brokers come from Kangema and Kiria-ini to buy my produce. I also run a small retail shop,” she added.
Priscilla Njeri focuses on vegetable farming and has become a significant supplier for local markets. Previously, she relied on buckets for irrigation near the Mathioya River, but after the project’s completion, she installed sprinklers, simplifying her work. “I just turn on the sprinklers, and my job is done. I’ve optimized my small farm and grown a variety of crops,” she said.
In Kandara, Kigumo, and Maragua, the NIA has installed seven boreholes, providing 50 cubic meters of water per hour to irrigate 70 acres, benefiting 2,800 people.
In Kirinyaga County, the NIA constructed the Thiba Dam, which holds 15 million cubic meters of water at a cost of Sh7.8 billion. This increased the irrigable area of the Mwea Irrigation Scheme from 25,000 to 30,600 acres.
The main planting season runs from July to December, followed by a ratoon crop harvested in February, and a second season from March to July. The dam stabilized water supply, boosting rice production from 192,299 metric tons in 2022 to 234,000 metric tons in 2023, increasing the annual production value from Sh10 billion to Sh14 billion.
With increased production, over 13 private millers have established operations in the area, creating jobs and improving farmers’ incomes. Daniel Mwangi, one of 14,850 farmers under the scheme, recalled the intense water shortages before the dam’s operation, which led to conflicts among farmers. “We spent nights in the fields trying to secure water while others slept,” he explained. Now, water is abundant, making farming easier.
Tabitha Wanjiku noted that increased seasons allow for better returns. “We buy quality seeds from the NIA and no longer worry about water. Now we can afford to educate our children,” she said, highlighting the job creation during planting, weeding, and harvesting.
Peter Chege, the scheme’s chairperson, stated that the government invested Sh80 million in building water canals. “With sufficient water, we’re training farmers on certified seeds, planting times, and fertilization to maximize harvests,” he said.
In Meru County, President William Ruto commissioned the Mweru Umoja irrigation project in January, significantly benefiting local farmers. This project channels water from the Mutonga River, covering 1,000 acres and aiding 1,000 households.
Virginia Mugwimi expressed that she no longer relies on rain-fed agriculture and can grow crops year-round. “I chose cabbages this season due to high demand, selling them for between Sh100 and Sh70. That income sustains my family,” she said.
Joseph Gituma, who previously struggled to raise livestock due to water shortages, invested in drip irrigation, allowing efficient use of water over a large area. He hopes to expand his farming once the project is enhanced. “I have two acres under irrigation, and I plan to double it to increase my earnings,” he stated.
John Paul Mburia opted to grow dragon fruits, attracted by their high prices. A farmer specializing in seedlings trained him, and he expects the crops to provide income for over 20 years with proper care.
NIA CEO Charles Muasya emphasized the government’s commitment to boosting food security, planning to expand irrigated land from 670,000 to 1.5 million acres over the next five years. He mentioned using gravity to transport water, eliminating pumping costs and allowing farmers to use effective irrigation systems.
Recently, a survey by Kenya Trak Research ranked the NIA as the top-performing parastatal in the country for accountability and governance.
