- Nyeri farmers are set to benefit from a new irrigation scheme targeting year-round crop production.
- The project will support high-value crops and reduce reliance on unpredictable rainfall.
- The scheme is expected to open new income opportunities for households in Othaya.
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has launched construction of the Karima Kabutu Irrigation Project in Othaya, Nyeri County. The project is expected to boost food production, raise farmers’ earnings and reduce dependence on rainfall.
The scheme will cover about 834 acres and benefit 1,668 households. As a result, farmers will be able to grow crops throughout the year, despite changing weather patterns.
Principal Secretary for Irrigation Ephantus Kimotho hosted Kindiki at the event. There, the Deputy President reaffirmed the government’s commitment to completing irrigation schemes across the country. He said the schemes would strengthen food security and shield rural communities from the effects of climate change.
The project will support high value crops such as tomatoes, cabbages, peas and potatoes, alongside fruit trees. With a more dependable water supply, farmers are expected to harvest more, create jobs and improve their household incomes.
According to the project’s financial projections, the scheme could generate an estimated Ksh 227 million in gross annual income. The anticipated payback period is two years.
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Individual farmers are projected to earn an average gross annual income of about Ksh 750,000 per acre. This highlights the economic gains of moving from rain fed to irrigated farming.
The planned infrastructure includes water intake works, sedimentation tanks, conveyance pipelines, a mainline and sub-mains. Two distribution systems will serve Iriaini and Witima. In addition, in-field irrigation facilities and supporting structures, including river and gully crossings, will be built.
Beyond farming, the scheme will provide water for domestic use. It is also expected to improve living standards and strengthen local communities against prolonged dry spells and unreliable rainfall.
The project forms part of the government’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA). The agenda prioritises food security, agricultural productivity, employment creation and better livelihoods.
Once complete, the scheme should give farmers greater control over their production cycles and widen agribusiness opportunities. Consequently, it is expected to support economic growth in Othaya and the wider Nyeri County.
By Lizzy Aluga
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