CS, MOWSI VISIT TO MWEA IRRIGATION DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME (THIBA DAM AND IRRIGATION AREA)
Today, November 25, 2024,the Cabinet Secretary Ministry of Water, Sanitation and Irrigation, Eng. Eric Mugaa visited Mwea Irrigation Development Programme (Thiba dam and irrigation area) and Mwea Irrigation Scheme for an inspection tour after paying a courtesy call to the Kirinyaga County Governor, Hon. Anne Waiguru, EGH, OGW and County Commissioner Mr. Hussein Alasow.
The CS was received by the National Irrigation Authority’s Chairman Eng. Gilbert Maluki, CEO, Eng. Charles Muasya, MBS, senior management and other staff. Also present were other National and County Government officials.
During the visit, he toured Thiba dam to appreciate its impact and further went to inspect the ongoing development and expansion works of Mwea Irrigation Development Programme (Package II).
He charged the contractors to fast track the works and complete within the set timelines. He emphasized on the need to complete the ongoing works so has to increase the area under irrigation to the potential of 35,000 acres.
Mwea Irrigation Development Programme (Package II) entails construction of civil works of irrigation facilities (Lot 1) and construction of drainage facilities and associated works (Lot 2). The overall completion status of Package II (Lot I and II) is currently 77%.
As the main rice producer in Kenya, the Scheme supports trade within and outside the county through production of about 150,000MT, It also benefits 14,850 households.
The Authority continues to work towards bridging the food security gap through sustainable irrigation development and management among others in accordance with its strategic plan.