Farmers in Othaya, Nyeri County, will be able to grow crops all year round after Deputy President Kithure Kindiki launched the Karima Kabutu Irrigation Project, a State-funded scheme that will bring piped water to 834 acres of farmland belonging to 1,668 households.

The project, launched on Wednesday, October 28, is being implemented by the State Department for Irrigation, whose Principal Secretary Ephantus Kimotho hosted the Deputy President at the site.

What the scheme involves

According to details released at the launch and reported by The Standard and Citizen Digital, the works include:

  • Water intake works and sedimentation tanks
  • Conveyance pipelines, a mainline and sub-mains
  • Two distribution systems serving the Iriaini and Witima areas
  • On-farm irrigation systems, plus gulley and river crossings

Beyond irrigation, the scheme will also supply water for household use, easing the burden on families who depend on rivers and seasonal sources.

Projected earnings

Officials say the project is expected to generate gross annual income of about Sh627 million for the farmers once fully running, with an estimated payback period of two years. A farmer could earn an average of about Sh750,000 a year per irrigated acre, depending on production costs, yields and market prices.

Farmers are expected to grow high-value crops such as cabbages, tomatoes, peas and potatoes, as well as fruit trees, instead of relying on the two rainy seasons that have become increasingly unpredictable in the central highlands.

Kindiki said the government remained committed to speeding up the completion of irrigation projects across the country, describing the scheme as part of the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda's push to raise food production and household incomes.

Why it matters for Nyeri

Small-scale farmers in Othaya have traditionally relied on coffee and tea, both of which have suffered from low and delayed payments in recent years. Irrigated horticulture offers a quicker return, and a steady supply of vegetables could also serve markets in Nyeri town, Karatina and Nairobi.

Officials say the scheme is expected to create jobs in farming, transport and agribusiness. Reports have given differing figures for the project's cost and earnings, and the State Department for Irrigation has not published a full breakdown of the investment.

Photos: The Standard; Citizen Digital. Thumbnail design: HAMASTA MEDIA.