Maragua: The government is currently implementing an irrigation project at Maragua ridge in Murang'a County that will benefit 848 households. The project funded at the tune of Sh312 million is 99 percent complete and will cover 400 acres in parts of Kambiti and Kamahuha wards within Maragua constituency. Currently, the region relies on rainfed agriculture, with the irrigation project expected to transform the livelihoods of the locals, thus boosting food security.
According to Kenya News Agency, on Friday, Deputy Chief of Staff Performance and Delivery Management in the office of the president, Eliud Owalo, visited the project and revealed that some farmers were already accessing water for irrigation in their farms. Owalo underscored the importance of the project, saying it would transform the lives of the locals through irrigation farming coupled with accessibility of water in their homes.
Owalo urged the farmers to be well organized and venture into commercial farming so as to earn income from their farms. 'This irrigation project will be a game changer. The farmers need to be well-organized so as to receive the necessary government support, particularly in extension services and market access. This will ensure a vibrant rural economy with money circulating at the grassroots,' said Owalo, who was accompanied by Murang'a county commissioner, Joshua Nkanatha.
In the project being implemented by the National Irrigation Authority (NIA), already 400 farmers are connected to the irrigation system, and over 12,700 jobs have been created through the project. The irrigation project, the Deputy Chief of Staff said, is financially, socially, and economically viable, stating it had a payback period of four years. Owalo observed that the initiative was expected to enhance food security and spur economic growth, enabling farmers to cultivate fruits, vegetables, maize, and beans year-round.
He also visited affordable housing projects at Makuyu in Murang'a south sub-county and Makenji in Kandara. Construction of 746 affordable housing units at Makuyu has commenced, with Owalo saying the project will be funded at Sh1.8 billion. The construction of the units, which commenced three weeks ago, is progressing well, with more than 100 locals securing employment opportunities at the site.
At the Makenji area, which is in Kandara Sub County, construction of 220 affordable housing units is 49 percent complete. The Sh491.5 million project will provide affordable homes as well as generate employment opportunities for hundreds of local young people. 'These projects are more than just infrastructure, as they symbolize a major leap forward in Murang'a's economic and social transformation,' Owalo said.
'By enhancing food security, creating jobs, and expanding access to affordable housing, the government is ensuring lasting progress for the people of Murang'a.' Owalo added that with sustained government support and community collaboration, Murang'a is poised for unprecedented growth, ushering in a new era of prosperity for its residents.