Principal Secretary for Irrigation, CPA Ephantus Kimotho, on Tuesday commissioned the Nguruman Irrigation Scheme in Magadi Ward, Kajiado West Constituency, giving thousands of farmers renewed hope after years of unreliable rainfall and flood damage.
The project is now supporting over 10,000 farmers, allowing them to grow food throughout the year using a modern drip irrigation system that saves water and improves yields.
Speaking during the ceremony, Kimotho said the scheme will help farmers earn better incomes, improve food security and protect communities from the effects of climate change.
He noted that stable farming has also reduced human-wildlife conflict, as families no longer need to move into wildlife areas in search of pasture or farmland.
The scheme was rehabilitated in 2024 after heavy floods destroyed canals and water intakes, cutting off water supply and forcing many farmers to abandon their land.
Government engineers repaired the canals, strengthened riverbanks and installed new control systems to ensure steady and safe water flow.
Today, farmers are growing okra, mangoes, bananas, pawpaw, kales, tomatoes and maize, with many combining crop farming and livestock keeping.
Kajiado West MP Hon. Sinkuyo praised the project, saying irrigation will turn the region into a food basket and create jobs for young people.
Farmers thanked the government for restoring the scheme and for the training they received, saying the project has changed their lives and given them a reliable source of income.
The event was attended by Irrigation Secretary Eng. Vincent Kabuti, Director of Irrigation and Drainage Eng. Bernard Onyango, and officials from the national and county governments.