Inspection tour of the Kamata Irrigation Project and Household Irrigation Projects in Mbeere North Sub-County
Principal Secretary for Irrigation, CPA Ephantus Kimotho, CBS, has reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to enhancing farmers’ capacity to adopt modern and climate-resilient irrigation practices. He noted that equipping farmers with the right knowledge is essential to help them cope with changing climate patterns and fully benefit from ongoing public investments in irrigation.
He made the remarks during an inspection tour of the Kamata Irrigation Project and Household Irrigation Projects in Mbeere North Sub-County, Embu County, where the National Irrigation Authority is leading implementation. The delegation engaged farmers already benefitting from irrigated water—many of whom are now venturing into high-value agricultural enterprises including tomatoes, maize, vegetables, wheat, avocados, macadamia, passion fruit and tree tomatoes.
PS Kimotho assured farmers that the Government will support them to transition from diesel-powered pumps to solar-powered systems to reduce operational costs and promote sustainability. He emphasized that the Household Irrigation Projects focus on rainwater harvesting, a practical approach that enables farmers to grow crops even through prolonged dry seasons.
The PS also reiterated H.E. President William Ruto’s directive on the rollout of 50 priority dams across the country—an initiative aimed at expanding Kenya’s irrigated land to two million acres as part of the Government’s broader food security agenda.
Construction of the Kamata Irrigation Project currently stands at 40 percent, with works progressing on schedule. The 24-month project is expected to be completed by 29th July 2026. Once fully operational, it will directly benefit 420 households and indirectly support 2,100 households, boosting food and nutrition security, increasing farm incomes, diversifying agricultural production, expanding the local economic base, and contributing significantly to poverty reduction.
Accompanying the Principal Secretary were: PS for Energy, Hon. Alex Wachira CBS; PS for Blue Economy, Ms. Betsy Njagi CBS; Irrigation Secretary, Land Reclamation and Climate Resilience, Mr. Joel Tanui; National Irrigation Authority CEO, Eng. Charles Muasya, MBS
They were also joined by Kabete MP Hon. James Githua Wamucukuru, Laikipia MP Hon. Jane Kagiri, Kiambaa MP Hon. John Kawanjiku, Thika MP Hon. Alice Nganga, and senior officials from both national and county governments.