Mwea farmers raise alarm over water shortage, fear losses

The shortage has forced many farmers to spend nights guarding their farms in search of water after planting last month. Rice is usually harvested three months after planting.

According to Charles Kibicho, unit leader of Cumbiri Unit 3, disputes over water have already started.

“Last night I solved a case as two rival groups clashed over water. Some farmers are blocking channels to divert water to their farms. We are praying for rain to ease the situation,” Kibicho said.

Other farmers said the drought could wipe out their crops if the situation persists.

“I applied two bags of fertilizer last week, but there is no water. My rice may dry up. You can see cracks in the soil—it is very dry,” said farmer James Mwangi.

Peter Chege, chairman of the Water Users Association in the scheme, said the National Irrigation Authority has introduced a rationing formula to ensure equitable distribution of the limited water.

“We will share the little water available across all units—Wamumu, Karaba, Thiba, Tebere, Mwea, Ndekia, and Cumbiri. We are urging farmers to allow water to flow so everyone gets a share,” Chege said while addressing farmers in Nguka.

However, some farmers questioned why they are experiencing shortages despite the completion of the Thiba Dam in Gichugu. The dam, Kenya’s largest, was commissioned in October 2022 to provide a long-term solution to water challenges in Mwea.

“We rely on the Thiba and Nyamindi rivers, but we were promised that the Thiba Dam would solve our water problems. Why are we still suffering?” asked farmer Joseph Karimi from Karaba section.

Another farmer, Joseph Wainaina from Nguka, echoed the frustrations:

“We are facing shortages after planting yet the Thiba Dam is here. The government and the National Irrigation Authority must explain why the promise of ending water shortages has not been fulfilled.”

The Mwea Irrigation Scheme is Kenya’s largest rice-growing scheme, supporting thousands of farmers whose livelihoods depend on adequate water supply.