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PS VISIT TO IRRIGATION PROJECTS IN EMBU COUNTY

Today, the Principal Secretary, State Department for Irrigation, CPA Ephantus Kimotho, CBS accompanied by the Embu County Governor H.E Cecily Mbarire, MGH, EGH, Embu County Commissioner Jack Obuor, Women Representative Hon. Njoki Njeru, Manyatta MP Hon. John Mukunji, NIA CEO Eng. Charles Muasya, MBS and other officials from National and County Governments visited irrigation projects in Embu County.

Among others, the projects visited included Kagaari Kyeni Gaturi in Runyenjes constituency, Kanyuambora Irrigation Project in Mbeere North constituency, New Kithimu and Itabua Muthatari in Manyatta Constituency.

Kagaari Kyeni Gaturi Irrigation Project draws its water from River Thuci and covers an acreage of 2,250 acres benefitting 2,251 farmers.

Since its completion, Kagaari Kyeni Gaturi Irrigation Project has improved food security and crop intensity in the Constituency. Additionally, it has created 11,250 direct jobs and 22,500 indirect jobs and by extension a source of income generation.

Kagaari Kyeni Gaturi Irrigation Project generates a net of approximately Kes 86 million annually from produce such as avocados, mangoes, bananas, miraa and vegetables.

Kanyuambora Irrigation Project covers an acreage of 625 acres benefitting 1,250 households. With a new contractor on site, the project is set to be completed by November 2025.

Horticultural crops, cereals, pulses, coffee, bananas and fodder are the crops best suited for the project.

The project is set to create 3,125 direct jobs and 6,250 indirect jobs, improve food security and enable farmers in the region create wealth. Upon the realization of the project’s full potential, it is expected to generate 130 million annually.

New Kithimu Irrigation Project is currently 62%. Upon it’s completion, it will put an average of 700 acres set to benefit 1,230 households.

Horticultural crops, cereals, pulses, coffee, bananas and fodder are the crops best suited for the project.

The project is set to create 3,500 direct jobs and 7,000 indirect jobs, improve food security and enable farmers in the region create wealth. Upon the realization of the project’s full potential, it is expected to generate 130 million annually.

Itabua Muthatari Irrigation Project on the other hand is currently 85%. Upon its completion, it is set to put 765 acres under irrigation benefitting 1,050 farmers.

Itabua Muthatari Irrigation Project is expected to create 3,825 direct jobs and 7,650 indirect jobs, improve food security and create wealth in the region. Using the average gross margins in a year, the expected revenues are Kes. 130 Million per year.

The PS was pleased with the collaborations amongst the farmers, County Government and other stakeholders from the private sector in the region.

The Governor on the other hand promised her partnership in order to ensure that Embu maximizes irrigation for improved agricultural output from the county.

The construction of Thuci dam which will stabilize River Thuci will also put an additional 16,309 acres under irrigation.

The Authority is keen to undertake irrigation expansion so as to meet the targets set out in the Bottom-up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA) on food security.