Gov't commissions Ksh.396M Nguruman Irrigation Scheme in Kajiado

The government has commissioned the Ksh.396 million Nguruman Irrigation Scheme in Kajiado West Constituency, a project expected to benefit more than 10,000 farmers and boost climate-smart agriculture in the region.

The scheme, which employs modern drip irrigation technology, is already recording increased agricultural productivity while promoting efficient and sustainable use of water resources.

Speaking during the commissioning ceremony in Magadi Ward, Principal Secretary for Irrigation Ephantus Kimotho said the project demonstrates the role of irrigation in building climate resilience and transforming rural livelihoods.

“Nguruman is a clear demonstration that well-planned irrigation can drive climate resilience, improve food production, and transform rural livelihoods,” said PS Kimotho.

The Principal Secretary noted that the project was initially launched by President William Ruto but later stalled before being revived following technical assessments.

“This project was launched by President William Ruto, it stalled and later he agreed that the project be restarted. We sent engineers to the ground and they found it to be viable. They came with an estimate and it was awarded a Ksh.396 million contract,” Kimotho said.

He added that while the project was initially scheduled to run from January 2024 to February 2026, implementation challenges during Phase B necessitated an extension.

“It was supposed to start in January 2024 to February 2026 but when they started Phase A, Phase B, which we are launching today, had many challenges. After research, the project has been extended to another one year,” he said.

The State Department for Irrigation began rehabilitating Nguruman Irrigation Scheme Block B in 2024 after farmers appealed for intervention following flooding that damaged canals and water intakes, disrupting water flow and farming activities.

Rehabilitation works focused on restoring canals and water intakes, reducing flood risks through river protection measures, and ensuring a reliable water supply to enable farmers to resume irrigated agriculture.

Key crops under production include okra, pawpaw, mangoes, bananas, kales, tomatoes and maize, with the project also integrating crop-livestock systems to boost productivity and household resilience.

Beneficiary farmers have reported higher yields for the domestic market, improved household incomes, and enhanced food and nutritional security.

Farmers in the area welcomed the project, saying government support and capacity-building initiatives have enabled them to embrace farming alongside their traditional pastoral livelihoods.

The Nguruman Irrigation Scheme aligns with the Bottom-up Economic Transformation Agenda by promoting sustainable livelihoods, enhancing food security and positioning irrigated agriculture as a key economic enterprise.

Also present at the commissioning were Irrigation Secretary Eng. Vincent Kabuti, Director for Irrigation and Drainage Eng. Bernard Onyango and officials from the national and county governments.