How Kaihii irrigation project is breeding commerce in Murang'a

The water intake point of the Kaihii Irrigation Project, along the Mathioya River in Murang’a County. [DPCS]

When Catherine Ndung’u stands on her 0.8-acre plot in Iyego, Murang’a County, she sees more than just neat rows of maize, cabbage, sukuma wiki, and tomatoes. To her, it is more than just a harvest. It is the promise of a better life.

This lifeline, drawn from the Mathioya River, is the result of an ambitious engineering feat: 16.6 kilometres of main pipelines, intricately connected to 47.4 kilometres of feeder lines, delivering irrigation water to 1,600 farmers like Catherine.

Before 9th September 2023, when the Sh 412 million Kaihii Irrigation Project was commissioned, Catherine’s farming journey was filled with uncertainty, as she relied solely on unpredictable rainfall.

By the time President William Ruto and Deputy President Kithure Kindiki officially launched the project on 3rd April 2024, her story had already begun to change. Even during the testing phase, a steady flow of irrigation water was reaching her farm, reviving her once-dry land and turning it into a thriving green oasis.

“The water project began right at my house,” Catherine says with a smile. “Now I sell farm produce season after season and offer jobs to community members who help me at the farm.”

Like many farmers in the area, Catherine has also benefited from the government’s subsidised fertiliser programme.

“I used to buy a 50-kilogram bag for Sh 6,000. Now I get it at Sh 2,500. It has made a big difference,” she adds.

Catherine is not alone. Across the constituency, the Kaihii Project has transformed lives. Wilson Irungu, a 70-year-old retired teacher, has turned his two-acre farm into a model of productivity.

“I grow high-value crops like macadamia, coffee, Hass avocados, bananas, and sweet potatoes,” says Wilson. “Last year, I harvested 2,500 kilos of coffee, and this year I am expecting 6,000.”

He attributes the bumper harvest to the steady supply of irrigation water.

“These crops are heavy feeders and water-loving. With consistent moisture at the root zone, they no longer suffer from dry spells. The irrigation has kept the soil well-fed, and the plants are thriving.”

In addition, Irungu noted that the price of coffee has significantly improved, thanks to recent government reforms. “In 2024, I was pay increased, but this year, I expect even better returns,” he says.

For Benson Karanja, another beneficiary, the Kaihii irrigation water has been a game-changer. “I used to rely on a diesel-powered borehole, which was expensive to run. Now, with a steady flow of irrigation water, I have cut down on costs and increased my savings,” he explains.

Benson grows arrowroots and bananas, crops that demand regular watering. “With the irrigation system in place, I no longer worry about dry spells or unpredictable rains. My shamba stays moist, and the crops get the water they need to grow strong and healthy,” he adds.

He encourages young people to take up farming, calling it a profitable and sustainable economic venture with the right support and infrastructure.

In March this year, President William Ruto and Deputy President Kithure Kindiki visited the Kaihii Irrigation Project, accompanied by Water Cabinet Secretary Eric Mugaa and Irrigation Principal Secretary Ephantus Kimotho.

Now 86 per cent complete, the project is already bearing fruit. Many farmers have been connected to infield water lines, and the final push is underway to ensure all 1,600 acres are fully irrigated ahead of the February 2026 completion deadline.

Speaking in Karugia, President Ruto underscored irrigation as a cornerstone of Kenya’s economic transformation. He highlighted its ability to create rural jobs, boost food security, and increase the export of high-value crops.

“These systems take water directly to the root zone, where crops need it most. That’s how you turn smallholder farms into commercial enterprises,” he said.

To further expand the gains, the government has committed an additional Sh 30 million to support Phase Four of the Nyanjigi Irrigation Scheme, targeting infield connections for 500 more farmers still awaiting linkage.

These irrigation projects are designed as end-to-end farming solutions. Beyond just water, the government is also constructing a modern market complete with cold storage facilities, helping farmers like Catherine fetch better prices and cut down on post-harvest losses.

Murang’a County Commissioner Joshua Nkanatha, who also serves as the Acting Regional Commissioner for Central Kenya noted the broader economic ripple effects.

“With institutions like Michuki National Polytechnic expected to grow from 6,000 to 15,000 students, local food demand will rise sharply. Irrigation will ensure farmers are ready to meet that demand,” he said.

“The main pipeline stretches 16.6 kilometres from the river intake to the distribution points. These projects are not just delivering water, they are delivering prosperity.”

As the government works towards its goal of expanding irrigated land from 670,000 to 1.5 million acres nationally, In Iyego, Catherine and hundreds of fellow farmers are already reaping this vision, harvest after bountiful harvest.

‘’We used to keep our eyes glued to the sky, praying for the heavens to open,’’ Catherine recalls, her hands likely calloused from years of rain-dependent farming.