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THE PRESIDENT LAUNCHES IRIARI AND KANYUAMBORA IRRIGATION PROJECTS.

His Excellency Hon. William Samoei Ruto, PhD., C.G.H. President of the Republic of Kenya and Commander-In-Chief of the Kenya Defence Forces launched Iriari and Kanyuambora Irrigation Projects in Embu County on August 7, 2024. He was accompanied by his deputy, Hon. Rigathi Gachagua, the Embu County Governor Hon. Cecily Mbarire among other leaders. He was received by the State Department for Irrigation Principal Secretary, CPA Ephantus Kimotho, CBS, NIA Chairman, Eng. Gilbert Maluki, NIA CEO, Eng. Charles Muasya, MBS and other officials from the National Government and NIA.

The President emphasized on his commitment to deliver on food security and with the launch of these projects, he reassured the community that their voices are heard, and their needs are prioritized. He vowed to work tirelessly to deliver on his promises, ensuring that the benefits of these projects and others to come will reach every corner of our country.

The Government has prioritized irrigation expansion as one of the ways of addressing the perenial food shortage in Kenya. While new irrigation projects have been lined up for implementation, the Government is also putting efforts to ensure all stalled projects meant to support irrigated agriculture are completed.

riari Irrigation Project in Runyenjes Constituency will draw water from the Thuci River. It aims to irrigate 500 acres and benefit 500 farmers. Key components include the construction of an intake, a 6KM conveyance system, a mainline, sub mains and a distribution system. The irrigated land will support various horticultural crops, cereals, pulses, coffee, bananas and napier fodder for livestock.

The benefits of the project includes creation of 1,650 direct jobs and 3,300 indirect jobs, improved food security and wealth creation. Estimated revenues from agricultural enterprises are projected to reach KES 68 million per year, thanks to the cultivation of horticultural crops.

Kanyuambora Irrigation Project in Mbeere North Constituency will tap water from the Thuci River to irrigate 1,000 acres, benefiting 1,250 farmers. Key components include the construction of an intake, an 8.6KM conveyance system, a 14.9KM mainline, sub mains and a comprehensive distribution system.

The project will support various horticultural crops, cereals, pulses, coffee, bananas, and napier fodder for livestock. The expected benefits include the creation of 3,125 direct jobs and 6,250 indirect jobs, enhanced food security, and wealth creation with an estimated annual revenue of KES 130 million.

Kanyuambora Irrigation Project stalled in Feb 2022 due to non-performance of the contractor. The project was terminated procedurally in line with provisions of the law and re- procured again under the Kenya Kwanza Government. Following the successful and competitive procurement process, the beneficiaries are assured that the new contractor will implement the project within the set timelines.

These projects are significant contributors to the BETA Agenda on food security and represents a major step towards sustainable agriculture and economic growth in the region. The Authority is committed to providing irrigation water across the country to realize its new vision of “a food secure and prosperous nation.”