Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has emphasized the need to expand irrigation as a crucial step toward improving agricultural productivity and increasing farmers’ earnings. During an inspection of a Sh258 million irrigation project in Mbeere North on March 26, he underscored the importance of irrigation in the government’s broader strategy to enhance food security and stimulate economic growth.
Kindiki highlighted that revitalizing agriculture requires a substantial increase in the area under irrigation. He reiterated the government’s commitment to supporting smallholder farmers through strategic infrastructure investments that will mitigate the adverse effects of unpredictable weather patterns and reduce dependency on rain-fed farming.
The government has been prioritizing irrigation projects to modernize agriculture and increase food production. Expanding irrigation infrastructure will enable farmers to cultivate crops throughout the year, ensuring stable food supplies and higher incomes. Enhancing irrigation will also reduce vulnerability to droughts and climate change, which have had devastating effects on agriculture.
The Kanyuambora irrigation project in Mbeere North is one of the key government initiatives aimed at transforming agricultural productivity. This project, once completed, is expected to provide water to hundreds of farmers, enabling them to engage in sustainable farming practices. Officials overseeing the project have expressed confidence that it will significantly improve food security in the region and boost economic opportunities for local farmers.
During the visit, newly nominated Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku accompanied Kindiki alongside officials from the National Irrigation Authority. Ruku stated that the project aligns with the government’s broader goal of modernizing agriculture through irrigation development. He noted that investments in irrigation are essential to achieving national food security and economic empowerment for farming communities.
Officials from the National Irrigation Authority provided an update on the progress of the project, assuring that it is on track for completion. They highlighted that the project will not only provide water for irrigation but also support related agricultural activities such as horticulture and agro-processing, thereby creating more employment opportunities.
The expansion of irrigation infrastructure is expected to have a multiplier effect on the economy. By increasing food production, irrigation projects help stabilize food prices and ensure a consistent supply of agricultural produce to markets. This stability benefits both farmers and consumers, contributing to overall economic resilience.
Additionally, increased irrigation will facilitate the cultivation of high-value crops that require reliable water sources. Farmers will have opportunities to diversify their agricultural activities, reducing risks associated with over-reliance on rain-fed farming. This shift will encourage agribusiness development and attract investment in the agricultural sector.
The government’s focus on irrigation aligns with its broader vision of achieving food sufficiency and economic transformation. By providing essential infrastructure, policymakers aim to enhance agricultural productivity and improve the livelihoods of millions of farmers. Ongoing investments in irrigation projects are expected to play a significant role in achieving these objectives.
Kindiki reaffirmed the government’s dedication to ensuring that farmers have access to the resources they need to thrive. He called on relevant stakeholders to support these initiatives and work collaboratively to enhance agricultural development. By expanding irrigation, the country can build a more resilient agricultural sector capable of withstanding climate challenges and ensuring sustainable food production for future generations.
