NIA WATERS GOOD GOVERNANCE TO UPROOT MARGINIZATION

Safeguarding livelihood and having structures for the exercise of power and authority are the two national values protected at the National Irrigation Authority by ensuring that the marginalised are secured and good governance is thriving.

The management, led by the Chief Executive Officer Mr Gitonga Mugambi, ensures the institution is geared towards attaining its mandate of promoting irrigated agriculture to enhance food security in Kenya. Under his management, the Authority has aligned policies and strategies with the Irrigation Act 2019. More than 260 irrigation projects have been established across the 47 counties, covering marginalised areas such as Samburu, Kajiado, Narok, Baringo, Garissa, Wajir, Mandera, Marsabit, Isiolo, Tana River, Lamu, Turkana, Keiyo and Marakwet.

Under this leadership, all the seven public schemes, two research stations and projects are abuzz, producing throughout the year.

In the 2019/2020 financial year, the NIA was rated the fifth best corporation in the review of ministries, departments and agencies numbering 223. Under Core Mandate, the Authority emerged eighth best in the category.

Additionally, the Authority is faithfully implementing the Access to Government Procurement Opportunities (AGPO), an affirmative action programme that empowers women, youth and persons with disability by giving them more access to do business with the Government.

“We provide jobs. Our studies have shown that for every acre you irrigate, you create five jobs. As you produce, you are producing raw materials to support industries, hence industrialisation, in addition to improving the incomes of farmers, and they are able to afford housing. People who are food-secure are naturally healthy, so less sickness, and they can also afford to meet their hospital bills,” explains Mr Mugambi.

The Authority is committed in bringing on board all participants from all cadres to take active part in making the country green and food-secure.