Ministry to construct 1,250 dams to boost irrigation in Kenya

MAKOKHA KHAOYA-KNA

The Cabinet Secretary for Water, Sanitation and Irrigation, Eng. Eric Mugaa, has revealed that the national government will embark on a series of water projects to boost irrigation under the proposed National Infrastructure Fund.

Eng. Mugaa, who commissioned various water projects in Kuria East Constituency, including the Kegango Cluster Water and Sanitation Project (Lot 1 – Nyamanche Water Supply) and the Kwigena Primary School rainwater harvesting project, said the government intends to construct 50 large dams, 200 medium-sized dams, and more than 1,000 small dams across the country to harvest rainwater.

The CS disclosed that the Gosebe Dam in Kuria East Sub-County, a water treatment plant with a 12-million-litre capacity draw-off system, will be constructed, while in Ntimaru Sub-County, a 2.7-kilometre treated water pumping main will be laid to supply water to the Ntimaru tanks.

He also added that four boreholes will be drilled and six ablution blocks constructed to further enhance public health and sanitation in those areas.

The CS explained that it was time for the country to move away from relying on rain-fed agriculture and instead focus on irrigation, a consistent mechanism that can produce food throughout the year.

“Rain-fed agriculture has become unreliable due to climate change, and one way to address these shortcomings is by investing in rainwater harvesting a reliable and sustainable water supply," he said.

The Ntimaru Water Supply Project, on the other hand, is designed to benefit approximately 4,700 households across Ntimaru East and Ntimaru West Wards.

The project entails the rehabilitation and expansion of Gosebe and Nyabikondo dams. Eng Mugaa said that water is a devolved function, but called upon the Migori County to take care of the Nyamanche water supply for the sustainability of the project to the Kuria people.

“I am urging the county government of through the construction of dams”, said Mugaa.

He noted that the proposed Sh5 trillion National Infrastructure Fund aims to mobilize large-scale capital for Kenya’s infrastructure project expansions that include irrigation, modern transport hubs, power generation and road construction. 

The proposed National Infrastructure Fund bill 2026 financing sources will include proceeds from the Privatisation and disposal of government assets to ensure the country fast truck mega infrastructure in the country.

The CS, who also launched the Kegonga cluster water & Sanitation project (lot 2-Ntimaru Water Supply Project) in Migori County, said that the country will continue to invest in water projects to help farmers have sustainable water for agricultural activities.

The event also oversaw the handing Migori to manage this water infrastructure that the national government has invested a lot of money to develop and operationalize to serve the community of Kuria well,” noted Mugaa.

He also encouraged locals not to encroach on riparian land, and plant indigenous trees that utilize less water along the river banks to conserve water sources and soil erosion.

The CS also inspected the Nyamtiro Water Supply Project, which entails the construction of a sump tank, the provision and installation of a submersible over of the completed Kegonga Cluster water and Sanitation project ( lot 1-Nyamanche water supply) to Migori County.

The Nyamanche springs water supply project is set to transform the lives of about 3,700 households in Kegonga town and the surrounding areas of Nyabasi East Ward.

The project includes spring protection works, construction of dedicated storage reservoirs, installation of a modern pumping station, and development of an 11-kilometre distribution network.

In addition, the initiative includes the construction of 10 water kiosks to improve community access, installation of rainwater harvesting systems at Maeta Secondary School, development of new sanitation facilities at Kegonga Primary and Secondary Schools, and the drilling and equipping of three boreholes to ensurepump and solar panels to pump the water.

Once completed, the project will provide a clean and sustainable water supply to Nyamtiro township and its environs.

Lake Victoria South Water Works Development Agency (LVSWWDA) Chairman Dan Omino, who accompanied the CS Mugaa, said that the integration of various water resources for the Kegonga cluster water supply project will solve water challenges and provide clean water for domestic use and irrigation for the residents.