Principal Secretary for the State Department for Irrigation, Ephantus Kimotho, joined top government officials in Meru County for the national celebrations of World Water Day 2026, where irrigation and water access took centre stage.
The event held on Sunday, March 22, brought together Cabinet Secretary for Water, Sanitation and Irrigation Eric Mugaa, Public Service CS Geoffrey Ruku, Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura, Deputy Head of Public Service Amos Gachecha, alongside Principal Secretaries Julius Korir, Betsy Njagi, Gitonga Mugambi and Patrick Kilemi.
Speaking during the event, Kimotho positioned irrigation as a key solution in tackling the effects of climate change and strengthening food security, noting that expanding access to water for agriculture remains critical.
He linked this year’s theme, “Water and Gender,” to the realities faced in rural communities, stating that women and girls continue to carry the greatest burden of water scarcity despite being central to agricultural production.
According to the PS, women contribute up to 70 percent of labour in agriculture, making improved access to irrigation a key factor in boosting productivity, reducing poverty and promoting equity.
Kimotho further highlighted ongoing government investments in irrigation within Meru County, revealing that projects worth approximately KSh 750 million are currently underway.
The projects cover about 2,581 acres and are expected to benefit more than 5,381 households, significantly improving agricultural output and livelihoods.
He called on stakeholders to prioritise water security and sustainability through the protection of water towers, conservation of forests and catchment areas, and the promotion of inclusive irrigation systems targeting women and youth.
Earlier on, during an event to Mark the International Day of Forests, the PS unveiled an ambitious conservation blueprint anchored on what he termed the “Six C’s of Conservation” during celebrations to mark the International Day of Forests at Ololua Forest.
The event held on Saturday, March 21, also marked the official launch of the Ololua Conservation Action for Resilience and Ecosystem Integrity (OLOOLUA C.A.R.E) Initiative, with Kimotho serving as patron.
He described the moment as the beginning of a long-term restoration journey that will bring together government agencies, conservation partners, local leaders, schools and communities living around the forest.
Speaking at the event, Kimotho emphasized that community involvement will be central to the success of the initiative, noting that conservation efforts must go hand in hand with improving livelihoods.
“We cannot do without the support of the surrounding communities,” he said, as he outlined interventions that will see the establishment of tree nurseries, drilling of boreholes, provision of beehives to women and community groups, and distribution of avocado seedlings to farmers and schools.