Kiambu Governor Kimani Wamatangi on Thursday hosted Water Cabinet Secretary Eric Murithi Mugaa at the county headquarters to discuss collaboration on water access and irrigation expansion in the region.
The talks were aimed at enhancing the supply of water for domestic and agricultural use to boost food production.
“This collaboration is a crucial step in the county’s continued efforts to enhance infrastructure and strengthen the local economy through sustainable development,” said Governor Wamatangi.
After the meeting, the Cabinet Secretary toured the Rwabura Irrigation Project in Gatundu South Constituency. The project, initially commissioned by President William Ruto on February 16, 2024, factors in the construction of intake and sedimentation basins, as well as a conveyance system for the Rwabura and Thiririka rivers.
Spanning 13.4 kilometres and running across 26 sub-locations, the project supports 1,500 acres of irrigated farmland and serves 3,000 farmers. It covers three divisions—Ngenda in the South, Kiganjo in the West, and Ndarugu in the North. Phase I is expected to benefit over 5,000 farmers and generate more than 25,000 jobs.
CS Murithi briefed the Governor on ongoing water and sanitation projects in the country and reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to working closely with the county government to expand water connectivity.
A key challenge discussed was Non-Revenue Water (NRW)—water lost due to leaks, illegal connections, or faulty meters—which hampers efforts to expand the water network.
“We have agreed to collaborate in addressing NRW within the county’s eight Water Service Providers (WSPs) to ensure more water reaches the people,” said CS Murithi.
During the inspection, the CS expressed concern over landslides in Kinale Forest, which damaged the Rwabura Irrigation Development Project’s conveyance infrastructure. The landslides swept away 150 meters of pipes, anchor blocks, and thrust blocks, disrupting water delivery from the Thiririka and Rwabura rivers. Additionally, over 27 air valves have been stolen, jeopardising the project’s sustainability. Murithi called on security agencies to take action.
“Vandalism and theft of infrastructure remain a significant challenge, threatening the long-term viability of the project. We urge the public and security agencies to collaborate in protecting this critical infrastructure,” he stated.
The CS directed contractors to repair the damaged sections immediately, emphasising that the project is still within the Defects Liability Period.
“I have instructed the contractor to restore the system to full working status without delay,” Murithi said.
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to delivering on its promises, noting that the irrigation project aligns with Kenya’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda by increasing agricultural productivity, reducing poverty, and tackling unemployment.
By John Kariba
