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The Groundbreaking Ceremony of Nginda Irrigation Project by CS Dr. Fred Matiangi

The Chairman of National Development Implementation and Communication Cabinet Committee and Cabinet Secretary for Interior and Coordination of National Government, Dr. Fred O. Matiang’i, officiated the groundbreaking ceremony of Nginda Irrigation Project intake Structure at Irate River in Maragua Constituency, Murang’a County on Feb 28, 2020

He was accompanied by Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Cooperative CS Hon. Peter Munya, Transport, Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development CS James Macaharia, ICT CS Joe Mucheru, Interior PS Dr. Eng. Karanja Kibicho, Water & Sanitation and Irrigation PS Joseph Irungu among other leaders. They were received by the National Irrigation Authority’s Chairman Hon Eng. Joshua Toro, CEO Gitonga Mugambi and other senior officials of the Authority.
Nginda Irrigation Project entails construction of a diversion weir, water conveyance lines and infield irrigation systems at a cost of KES 217,463,125. Upon completion, 678 acres will be put under horticultural crops and fruit trees such as avocados, mangoes and tomatoes by 1, 370 farmers.

The estimated annual gross revenue of KES 168.5 million is meant to translate into farmer’s income of KES 250, 000 per year/acre/season. With the internal rate of return being greater than the discounting rate by 12%, the project is very viable and a game changer for the residents of Maragua Comnstituency, Murang’a County and Kenya at large. The Irrigation Authority is committed to implementating new projects that are geared towards acceleration of irrigation expansion and the realization of the Big 4 agenda to ensure a food secure Nation.