𝑷𝑺 𝑲𝒊𝒎𝒐𝒕𝒉𝒐 𝑪𝒐𝒎𝒎𝒊𝒔𝒔𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒔 𝑵𝒈𝒖𝒓𝒖𝒎𝒂𝒏 𝑰𝒓𝒓𝒊𝒈𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝑺𝒄𝒉𝒆𝒎𝒆 𝒊𝒏 𝑲𝒂𝒋𝒊𝒂𝒅𝒐 𝑾𝒆𝒔𝒕 𝑪𝒐𝒏𝒔𝒕𝒊𝒕𝒖𝒆𝒏𝒄𝒚

The Nguruman Irrigation Scheme is currently benefiting more than 10,000 farmers, marking a major milestone in the promotion of climate smart agriculture in Kajiado West Constituency.

The project employs modern drip irrigation technology that has significantly increased agricultural productivity while promoting efficient and sustainable use of water resources. Through sustained capacity building and farmer support, beneficiaries have recorded higher yields for the domestic market, improved household incomes, and enhanced food and nutritional security.

Speaking during the commissioning of the scheme in Magadi Ward, Kajiado West Constituency, the Principal Secretary for Irrigation, CPA Ephantus Kimotho, CBS, noted that the project has also contributed to a reduction in human wildlife conflict by stabilising livelihoods and limiting encroachment into wildlife habitats.

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

The State Department for Irrigation commenced the rehabilitation of Nguruman Irrigation Scheme Block B in 2024 following appeals from farmers whose livelihoods had been severely affected by flooding. Heavy rains had damaged existing canals and water intakes, disrupting water flow and rendering farming activities unsustainable.

The rehabilitation works focused on restoring canals and water intakes to ensure a reliable water supply, reduce flood risks through river protection measures, and enable farmers to resume productive irrigated agriculture. The intervention is expected to enhance food and nutritional security, create employment opportunities, improve household incomes and livelihoods, and contribute to national development priorities.

Key crops currently under production include okra, pawpaw, mangoes, bananas, kales, tomatoes, and maize. The project also integrates irrigated crop livestock systems, boosting overall productivity and strengthening household resilience.

Kajiado West Member of Parliament, Hon. Sunkuiya, commended the Principal Secretary for spearheading irrigation transformation in the county, noting that Kajiado has the potential to become the “next Galana” in contributing to national food security.

Farmers in the area have expressed appreciation to the Government for the irrigation revolution and the capacity building initiatives undertaken by the State Department for Irrigation, which have enabled the community to embrace farming alongside their traditional pastoral livelihoods.

The Nguruman Irrigation Scheme aligns with the Bottom-up Economic Transformation Agenda (BeTA) by promoting sustainable livelihoods, enhancing food security, and positioning irrigated agriculture as a key economic enterprise. Sustainable and climate resilient irrigation solutions remain a top priority for the Government.

Also present were the Irrigation Secretary Eng. Vincent Kabuti OGW, Director for Irrrigation and Drainage Eng. Bernard Onyango, officers from both National and county governments among others.