Smallholder farmers in Kirinyaga County are increasingly embracing year-round farming as reliable irrigation projects provide consistent water supply, reducing reliance on erratic rainfall and lowering production costs.
At the Kandeki Irrigation Project, farmers have diversified their activities beyond traditional seasonal crops to include dairy, fish farming, avocado, French beans, maize, and macadamia. Jane Wairimu, a beneficiary, noted that dependable irrigation has eliminated her need for expensive petrol pumps and enabled expansion into multiple agricultural ventures.
Wairimu emphasized the need for stronger government support to establish stable market linkages that can absorb increased production and provide predictable income streams.
Irrigation Opens New Farming Opportunities
The initiative comes amid a severe national drought affecting many regions, threatening crop yields, livestock health, and household livelihoods. Reliable irrigation has become critical for sustaining food production and protecting farmers from the impacts of failed rains.
The project is also empowering youth involvement in agriculture. Erick Mwendia, a Community Health graduate turned farmer, highlighted how irrigation enabled him to generate income through farming and called for more youth-focused irrigation programs coupled with subsidies on farm inputs like pesticides.
Henry Kariuki, Chairman of the Kandeki Water Project, shared that the Ksh91 million investment has transformed farming by facilitating year-round production and providing water for domestic use. He remarked that before the project, farming was limited to a single rainy season harvest.
Government Drives Expansion of Irrigation Infrastructure
Principal Secretary for Irrigation, Ephantus Kimotho, affirmed the government's commitment to scaling sustainable irrigation systems to boost agricultural output and food security. He described irrigation as essential for climate-smart agriculture and Kenya's future food resilience.
The government ensures projects are based on thorough water availability studies and involve collaboration with county governments, extension officers, and local communities. Kimotho encouraged farmers to form cooperatives and Irrigation Water Users Associations for better access to credit, inputs, services, and markets.
Currently, 19 projects across the Mt. Kenya region have benefited farmers, with about 95% reporting improved yields and incomes. The government plans to invest Ksh3 billion to replicate these successes in Western Kenya and enhance water harvesting in arid and semi-arid zones, aiming to expand irrigated land to 2.5 million acres nationwide.
