CS INSPECTION TOUR OF RWABURA IRRIGATION DEVELOPMENT PROJECT PHASE I

On February 6, 2025, Water, Sanitation and Irrigation CS Eric Mugaa was on an inspection tour of Rwabura Irrigation Development Project Phase I in Gatundu South constituency, Kiambu County.

He was accompanied by Chairman NIA Eng. Gilbert Maluki, NIA DGM Operations Joel Tanui, NIA DGM Insfrustructure Kahiga, Kiambu County CEC for Water Environment & Natural Resources Mr. David Kuria, area MP Hon. Kagombe Gabriel, NGAAO’s led by DCC and other senior officers from the National Irrigation Authority and the county government.

The Rwabura Irrigation Development Project Phase I which is 100% complete is meant to transform agriculture across Mutunguru, Kirangi, Gacharage and Munyuini locations.

The project aims to empower farmers to move away from rain-fed agriculture and embrace sustainable irrigation thus putting 1,500 acres under irrigation benefiting 3,000 farmers who will cultivate horticultural crops (maize, beans, cabbage, tomatoes, etc.) and cash crops (tea & coffee).

The Project is a game-changer for the area but has encountered some hurdles. The CS noted that the root cause of the current challenges stems from vandalism of crucial air and gate valves that have significantly impacted the project’s functionality.

Pipeline Damage caused by rainfall led to devastating mudslides and landslides, causing substantial damage to the water pipeline, particularly along the Thiririka and Rwabura systems. Repairing this damage is critical to restoring full irrigation capacity and utilization of the installed infrastructure.

The CS urged the farmers to foster a sense of ownership and protect the installed infrastructure so as to help them produce food. He further noted the need for collaboration between national and county government of kiambu, as well as project beneficiaries in ensuring the long-term security of the irrigation infrastructure.
The CS urged the contractor to do a thorough assessment of the damage, followed by swift and efficient repairs to restore water flow to the farms.

The project is expected to create 7,500 direct & 15,000 indirect jobs and will enhance food security, improve livelihoods and contribute to the Bottom-Up Transformation Agenda