The Government has reaffirmed its commitment to transforming agriculture through strategic investments in irrigation infrastructure following the groundbreaking of the Cheminya Irrigation Development Project in Kaptarakwa Ward, Keiyo South Sub-County, Elgeyo Marakwet County.
The project, which is being implemented by the National Irrigation Authority (NIA), was officially launched by Head of Public Service Felix Koskei and is expected to irrigate 250 acres of farmland while directly benefiting approximately 1,000 households.
Koskei noted that the initiative forms part of the Government’s broader strategy to enhance agricultural productivity, strengthen national food security, increase household incomes and create sustainable livelihoods for farming communities through climate-resilient irrigation systems.
Speaking during the groundbreaking ceremony, Koskei said the Government was prioritizing investments in irrigation to cushion farmers against the adverse effects of climate change and reduce dependence on rain fed agriculture.
“The Government is committed to expanding irrigation infrastructure across the country to unlock agricultural potential, improve food production and enhance the economic well-being of farming communities. The Cheminya Irrigation Development Project is a key investment that will empower farmers to produce throughout the year, increase their incomes and contribute to national food security,” said Koskei.
He noted that irrigation development remains a critical pillar in the implementation of the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), particularly in promoting agricultural value chains and improving rural livelihoods.
The launch is Phase II of the Cheminya Dam Water Supply Project, a multi-agency initiative aimed at expanding access to safe and reliable water services while supporting irrigation development in the area.
The North Rift Valley Water Works Development Agency (NRVWWDA) successfully implemented Phase I of the project. It involved rehabilitation of the dam embankment, installation of a solar-powered pumping system, construction of transmission pipelines, rehabilitation of storage tanks and expansion of the water distribution network.
The completed works have significantly strengthened the area’s water infrastructure and laid the foundation for sustainable water service delivery to households and institutions.
With the completion of the first phase, implementation of Phase II has now been handed over to the National Irrigation Authority, which will develop irrigation infrastructure to enable farmers to utilise the stored water for commercial agricultural production.
Officials said the collaborative implementation demonstrates the Ministry of Water, Sanitation and Irrigation’s integrated approach to water resources management by combining domestic water supply and irrigation development under complementary government agencies.
On behalf of NRVWWDA, agency officials reaffirmed their commitment to supporting the Government’s vision of universal access to clean and safe water and promoting socio-economic development through sustainable infrastructure investments.
“The successful implementation of Phase I has provided a strong foundation for this irrigation component. Through continued collaboration with the National Irrigation Authority and the Ministry, we are ensuring that communities derive maximum benefit from public investments in water infrastructure,” the agency stated.
Residents have welcomed the project, expressing optimism that reliable irrigation water would enable year-round crop production, improve household level food security, and create new income-generating opportunities through high value farming.
Once completed, the Cheminya Irrigation Development Project is expected to transform agricultural production in Kaptarakwa Ward by increasing farm productivity, enhancing resilience to climate variability and improving the socio-economic wellbeing of more than 1,000 beneficiary households.
By Rennish Okong’o
