Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has launched the construction of an irrigation project in Othaya, Nyeri County, targeting 1,668 households and expected to improve food production and farmers’ incomes.
The Karima Kabutu Irrigation Project will bring approximately 834 acres of land under irrigation, allowing farmers to grow food and high-value horticultural crops throughout the year.
The project is expected to benefit households in Iriaini and Witima by providing a more reliable water supply for farming and reducing their dependence on rainfall.
Kindiki, who was hosted by Principal Secretary for Irrigation Ephantus Kimotho during the launch on Wednesday, October 28, said the government was committed to accelerating irrigation projects to strengthen food security and protect farmers against the effects of climate change.
The project will support the production of cabbages, tomatoes, peas and potatoes, alongside fruit trees. Increased production is expected to create employment opportunities, support agribusiness and improve household incomes.
According to the project’s financial projections, the scheme could generate approximately KSh227 million in gross annual income, with farmers expected to earn an average gross annual income of about KSh750,000 per acre.
The project is also projected to have a payback period of two years, although the figures represent estimates rather than income already earned by farmers.
Construction will involve the development of water intake facilities, sedimentation tanks and pipelines to distribute water to farms. The works will include a main pipeline, sub-mains and two distribution systems serving Iriaini and Witima.
In-field irrigation systems and supporting structures, including river and gully crossings, will also be constructed to facilitate water delivery to the targeted farms.
Beyond agriculture, the project is expected to provide water for domestic use and help cushion households against unreliable rainfall. Reliable irrigation could also enable farmers to plan their planting seasons more effectively and maintain crop production during dry periods.
The launch adds to ongoing efforts to expand irrigation in Nyeri County. In September 2025, the National Irrigation Authority reported progress on irrigation initiatives in Othaya and Mathira, including the Changachicha and Hika projects, as part of efforts to increase agricultural production and improve rural livelihoods.
The Karima Kabutu project is aligned with the government’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda, which identifies agricultural productivity, food security and job creation as key priorities.
However, the project’s construction cost and expected completion date were not provided in the announcement.