Deputy President Prof. Kithure Kindiki has launched the Karima Kabutu Irrigation Project in Othaya, Nyeri County. The project aims to provide water for farming on 834 acres of land and benefit 1,668 households. This initiative is part of the government's efforts to improve food security and support farmers in the region. The project will enable farmers to grow crops throughout the year, reducing their reliance on rainfall.
The Karima Kabutu Irrigation Project will support the production of various crops, including horticultural and food crops such as cabbages, tomatoes, peas, and potatoes, as well as fruit trees. The project involves the construction of water intake works, sedimentation tanks, and conveyance pipelines, alongside a network of distribution systems serving Iriaini and Witima. This comprehensive approach will ensure that farmers have a reliable source of water for their crops.
Speaking during the launch, Deputy President Kindiki reiterated the government's commitment to accelerating the completion of irrigation projects across the country. The goal is to boost agricultural production and improve rural livelihoods. By investing in irrigation infrastructure, the government aims to help farmers shift from rain-fed agriculture to more reliable production systems, particularly in the face of changing weather patterns.
The project has promising financial projections, with an expected gross annual income of approximately Ksh.627 million. Individual farmers are projected to earn an average gross annual income of about Ksh.750,000 per acre, although actual earnings will depend on production costs, yields, and market prices. The scheme is expected to generate significant revenue and improve the economic prospects of local farmers.
Beyond crop production, the project is also expected to provide water for domestic use, create employment opportunities, and support the growth of agribusiness in the area. The irrigation scheme is part of the government's wider efforts to expand irrigated agriculture under the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), with a focus on food security, job creation, and improved household incomes.
The government is banking on irrigation infrastructure to help farmers adapt to changing weather patterns and improve their resilience. By investing in irrigation projects like the Karima Kabutu Irrigation Project, the government aims to support the growth of a more sustainable and productive agricultural sector. This initiative is expected to have a positive impact on the local community and contribute to the country's economic development.
The launch of the Karima Kabutu Irrigation Project is a significant milestone in the government's efforts to improve food security and support farmers in Nyeri County. With the project's expected benefits, including improved crop yields, increased income for farmers, and enhanced food security, it is clear that this initiative will have a lasting impact on the region.
Key points
- The project aims to provide water for farming on 834 acres of land and benefit 1,668 households.
- The scheme is expected to generate gross annual income of approximately Ksh.627 million.
- The project is part of the government's wider efforts to expand irrigated agriculture under the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA).
