Sh500m irrigation project to benefit Kangema residents

BY FLORENCE KINYUA, KNA 

Construction work for the water intake of the Kaihi Irrigation Project in Kangema Constituency has begun. 

The multi-million shilling project, which is set to benefit over 10,000 residents of Kanorero, Ihigaini, and Gikui villages, was initiated by farmers in 2009 but stalled due to a lack of funds. 

Joseph Gichore, the project secretary, noted that the commencement of the irrigation project is a relief for residents who have long awaited access to water for agricultural activities. 

He mentioned that over 1,700 households have already registered to benefit from the Sh500 million irrigation project. 

“Our people will be able to take advantage of this resource, contributing to the county’s nutrient-rich food basket while also improving the economic and social standards of this area,” he said. 

The project has also created employment opportunities for hundreds, with locals in the project’s catchment area being hired as casual laborers. 

“We are hardworking people with acres of land, yet we have not been able to produce enough food even for ourselves because we lack water but with this project, we finally have light at the end of the tunnel,” Boniface Mwangi, a resident, said. 

“Apart from working in this project as a casual laborer where I am able to put food on the table for my family, I am excited that I will be able to practice profitable farming of bananas, French beans and tomatoes using the water from this project,” Mwangi added. 

Faith Wanjiru, a mother of three beams with joy as she narrates how the project has transformed her life. 

“I have been doing menial jobs which are hard to come by and sometimes I would go home to hungry children with empty hands but since I started working in this project as a casual laborer, my children are well taken care of,” Wanjiru said. 

She added that she will also be able to save some money for her son who will be joining Junior Secondary School next year. 

The area Member of Parliament Peter Kihungi lauded the Ministry of Water, Sanitation and Irrigation for its commitment towards the vital project that is expected to significantly boost agricultural productivity in the area, thus improving food security. 

He noted that the residents have a chance to utilize the project productively by engaging in agricultural activities like farming and animal rearing to leverage on the ultra-modern market that is coming up at Karugia. 

“A market for your farm produce is already coming up where you will not only sell your produce but also have a reliable sales channel with a large customer base for your fresh produce which will potentially improve the social economic standards of this area,” Kihungi noted. 

Kihungi urged the residents to use the irrigation water to nurture and produce high quality and profitable farm produce.