NIA CEO HOSTS PRINCIPAL SECRETARIES DURING INSPECTION OF GWA KIONG’O AND GITHUNGURI DAM PROJECTS IN NYANDARUA COUNTY

Today, the CEO of the National Irrigation Authority, Eng. Charles Muasya, MBS, hosted the Principal Secretary, State Department for Irrigation, CPA Ephantus Kimotho, CBS, who was accompanied by the Principal Secretary, State Department for Energy, Mr. Alex Wachira and the Principal Secretary, State Department for Blue Economy and Fisheries, Ms. Betsy Muthoni Njagi, CBS during an inspection tour of Phase II of the Gwa Kiong’o Dam and Phase II of the Githunguri Cascading Dams in Ol Kalou, Nyandarua County. Also present were national and county government officials, local leaders and members of the community.

Phase II of the Gwa Kiong’o Earth Dam, being implemented by the Authority, is currently 35% complete. Once completed, the project will develop irrigation infrastructure to support 500 acres of irrigated agriculture, provide water for approximately 1,000 livestock, and directly benefit about 1,000 households.

Phase II of the Githunguri Cascading Dams is also 35% complete. Upon completion, the two projects are expected to enhance food security, increase agricultural productivity, and improve household income through the cultivation of high-value commercial crops.

During the visit, the State Department for Blue Economy and Fisheries donated 20,000 fingerlings, two fishing boats and fishing nets to support aquaculture at the Gwa Kiong’o Dam. The Principal Secretary for Irrigation insisted on the importance of strengthening intergovernmental collaboration to ensure the dam is fully utilized for maximum socio-economic benefit.

The National Irrigation Authority remains committed to developing sustainable irrigation infrastructure that enhances agricultural productivity, strengthens food security, and contributes to the realization of the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA).