The government is in the final stages of implementing a transformative irrigation project at Maragua Ridge in Murang’a County, set to benefit 848 households. The Sh312 million project, which is 99 percent complete, will cover 400 acres in Kambiti and Kamahuha wards within Maragua Constituency.
Currently, the region relies on rainfed agriculture, making this initiative a game changer for local farmers. By providing a reliable water source for irrigation, the project is expected to enhance food security and improve the livelihoods of residents. Some farmers have already started accessing water for irrigation, signaling a significant shift towards commercial farming.
On Friday, Eliud Owalo, the Deputy Chief of Staff for Performance and Delivery Management in the Office of the President, visited the site to assess its progress. Owalo emphasized the importance of the project in transforming rural economies and urged farmers to organize themselves to maximize the benefits of commercial agriculture.
“This irrigation project will be a game changer. The farmers need to be well-organized so as to receive the necessary government support, particularly in extension services and market access. This will ensure a vibrant rural economy with money circulating at the grassroots,” Owalo stated. He was accompanied by Murang’a County Commissioner, Joshua Nkanatha.
Implemented by the National Irrigation Authority (NIA), the project has already connected 400 farmers to the irrigation system and created over 12,700 jobs. Owalo highlighted that the initiative is financially, socially, and economically viable, with a payback period of just four years. Farmers will be able to cultivate a variety of crops, including fruits, vegetables, maize, and beans throughout the year.
In addition to the irrigation project, Owalo also visited affordable housing projects in Makuyu and Makenji. The Makuyu project, valued at Sh1.8 billion, will deliver 746 housing units, while the Sh491.5 million Makenji project, which is 49 percent complete, will provide 220 housing units. Both initiatives are expected to generate employment for local residents.
“These projects symbolize a major leap forward in Murang’a’s economic and social transformation. By enhancing food security, creating jobs, and expanding access to affordable housing, the government is ensuring lasting progress for the people of Murang’a,” Owalo concluded.
