Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru on Wednesday distributed water pipes that will serve more than 7,500 residents.
The pipes that were issued to Mbeti B and Kiangima water projects in Inooi ward, Kirinyaga Central, will increase access to water for domestic use and minor irrigation by residents.
Mbeti B project, which sources its water from Kiringa River, benefits residents of Thaita, Kangaita, Mugwandi, Kiandieri, Kabumbu and Gitumbi villages.
Kiangima water project serves Kiawakara, Kagunyu and Thaita villages and draws water from Rutui river and Kangaita stream.
The initiative is part of an elaborate plan by the county administration to increase access to both domestic and irrigation water.
The governor noted that at least 70 water projects have been completed. They include boreholes, construction of community water tanks and distribution of water pipes and fittings.
“We have also been distributing water tanks and rehabilitating our major rivers such as Thiba and Nyamindi,” she said.
The county chief said the county government has set aside Sh115 million for rehabilitation of irrigation canals in Mwea irrigation scheme to enable farmers increase rice production.
Waiguru said the county was also looking forward to the construction of South Ngariama-Murinduko and Nyamindi dams in Mwea and Gikumbo Dam in Ndia that will increase land under irrigation.
The governor noted that provision of irrigation water significantly boosts agricultural productivity by enabling year-round crop production.
“Irrigation increases crop yields and enhances food security, ensuring farmers’ livelihoods are improved while helping to conserve the environment,” Waiguru said.
She reiterated her commitment to ensure local farmers produce sufficient agricultural products, saying the sector is the backbone of the county’s economy.
