NIA BREAKS GROUND FOR KOBONG’O IRRIGATION PROJECT TO BOOST FOOD SECURITY AND ECONOMIC GROWTH IN NYANDO

Building on its ongoing efforts to expand irrigation infrastructure across the country, the National Irrigation Authority (NIA) has officially broken ground for the construction of Kobong’o Irrigation Project in Nyando Sub-county, Kisumu County.

The ceremony was presided over by FCPA Hon. John Mbadi Ng’ongo, EGH Cabinet Secretary for the National Treasury and Eng. Eric Mugaa, Cabinet Secretary for Water, Sanitation and Irrigation. They were accompanied by the Principal Secretaty, State Department for Irrigation CPA Ephantus Kimotho ans Ambassandor of Hungary to Kenya Hon. Katalin Nyitari and other local leaders.

They were received by the NIA Board Chairman Eng. Gilbert Maluki, NIA CEO Eng. Charles Muasya, MBS and other officers from the Authority.

The Rehabilitation and Upgrading of Ahero Irrigation Scheme Pumping Station for Kobong’o Irrigation Scheme, will draw water from River Nyando and irrigate 1,000 acres, directly benefiting 240 households. With a total investment of USD 5 million (approximately KES 650 million), the project entails upgrading the pumping station into a 500 KWp grid tied solar hybrid system, rehabilitation of intake works, installation of new pumps, riverbank protection and development of a water distribution network.

Currently at 40% completion and scheduled for completion in February 2027, the project is expected to create 5,000 direct and 10,000 indirect jobs, enhance high value crop production and generate an estimated KES 250 million annually, further advancing the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda and strengthening food security.