State hands over Sh45m irrigation project to Wundanyi farmers

KIBET CHEPTUMO-PCO

Farmers in Wundanyi Sub-county, Taita-Taveta County, are set to benefit significantly after the Government officially handed over the Sh45 million Laghale Irrigation Project, a major step towards enhancing food security and boosting local agribusiness.

The Chief Engineer and Director of Irrigation and Drainage at the State Department for Irrigation, Eng. Bernard Onyango, led the final inspection and handover ceremony in Mbale, Mogho, and Sungululu sub-locations.

His team toured the water intake works at Laghale River, a reservoir tank along the pipeline, and several beneficiary farms before formally transferring the project to local farmers through their management committee.

Launched in March 2024 and fully funded by the Government under the community irrigation development pathway, the project covers 100 acres and benefits 200 farmers each allocated half an acre. 

Eng. Onyango urged farmers to embrace agribusiness and work closely with agronomists to maximize yields.

He emphasized the Government’s commitment to strengthening food security through irrigation, noting that higher crop production would significantly improve household incomes and economic potential in the region.

Earlier, Onyango’s team paid courtesy calls on Taita-Taveta County Commissioner Linda Okola and Wundanyi Sub-county Deputy Commissioner Jane Kiangati.

The ceremony was attended by key stakeholders, including area Assistant County Commissioner Alima Hassan, contractor Vilakazi Limited’s Managing Director Ken Munene, Resident Engineer Audrey Magina, Project Management Committee Chair Raymond Kabale, Assistant Engineer Vaines Majala, and Mogo Sub-location Assistant Chief Givan Mwakazi.