CHIEF OF STAFF AND HEAD OF THE PUBLIC SERVICE MR. FELIX KOSKEI, EGH LAUNCHES CHEMINYA IRRIGATION DEVELOPMENT PROJECT IN ELGEYO MARAKWET COUNTY

Today, Chief of Staff and Head of the Public Service Mr. Felix Koskei, EGH accompanied by the National Treasury Principal Secretary Dr. Chris Kiptoo launched Cheminya Irrigation Development Project in Kaptarakwa Ward, Keiyo South Constituency, Elgeyo Marakwet County. He was received by the Authority’s CEO Eng. Charles Muasya, MBS and other NIA senior officers.

They were accompanied by PS, State Department for Forestry Gitonga Mugambi, EBS., PS, State Department for Basic Education John L. Ololtuaa, CBS, the area MP Hon. (Dr.) Gideon Kimaiyo and other senior government officials and local leaders.

The project aims to irrigate 250 acres and directly benefit 1,000 households. It involves the rehabilitation and desilting of a 80,000 m3 dam, rehabilitation of the dam embankment and the installation of a solar pumping system with the capacity to pump 45m3 of water per hour complete with a 45.8km pipeline distribution network.

The project is designed to support high-value agricultural enterprises, including passion fruits, traditional food crops, fruit trees, pyrethrum, coffee, and tea, allowing farmers to secure consistent food production across two seasons annually.

Once completed, it will deliver an estimated net farm income of KES 200,000 per household per annum, optimize land productivity and inject significant liquidity into the local agricultural value chain. Beyond the financial returns, the project is a massive employment driver, expected to create direct jobs for 5,000 people and support an additional 25,000 indirect livelihoods in the region.

The Authority has outlined a clear implementation work plan within the contract period including intensive capacity building and the strengthening of the Irrigation Water Users Association (IWUA) in business-oriented agriculture and system maintenance.

The National Irrigation Authority remains committed to developing sustainable irrigation infrastructure that enhances agricultural productivity and strengthens food security as espoused in Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA).