Residents to benefit from Sh6.7 million Mutitu water project

Mutitu Water Project chairman Joseph Kagiri flags off a drilling vehicle in Nairutia. [Amos Kiarie, Standard]

More than 5,000 residents in Nyeri, Laikipia, and Nyandarua counties are expected to benefit from two boreholes drilled as part of the Mutitu water project. 

The Sh6.7 million project will provide water during the dry season when other local water intakes often dry up. 

Mutitu water project chairman Joseph Kagiri said access to reliable, clean water all year round is a challenge in this region, particularly for smallholder farmers.

The boreholes will ensure communities have water for crop production and livestock in the dry season. 

"Reliable water access is foundational to economic development, and we are proud that the initiative will benefit thousands of our farmers," he said. 

"The funds from the community's monthly payments have allowed the project to expand its operations and better serve local residents. This grassroots approach to financing critical infrastructure underscores our commitment to ensuring reliable access to clean water," he said. 

Kagiri said water from the boreholes will be piped directly to the main water lines connecting to the homes. 

"With this reliable source of water now available, farmers in the region will be able to keep their crops and livestock productive even during dry periods when rainfall is low. This steady water supply is expected to allow farmers to expand their irrigation and cultivate more land. drought will no longer force them to reduce their operations or watch helplessly as their fields dry up," he said. 

James Mwangi, a farmer in Nairutia, said that the project marks a turning point for farmers facing the effects of climate change.  

"For the farmers who have had a tough time dealing with unreliable water in the past, these boreholes represent a real chance to prosper and expand their operations," he said. 

Anna Kimani said that access to reliable water supply has a direct impact on community well-being.

"Farmers and their families will no longer have to worry about the seasonal stress of drought, which can lead to food insecurity and malnutrition. The consistent availability of water for irrigation also means less physical strain on farmers, who will no longer need to transport water long distances," he said.