[PHOTOS] Irrigation PS leads public participation on Gwa Kiongo dam project

PS Irrigation CPA Ephantus Kimotho and officials from the State department during a public participation meeting on the proposed Gwa Kiongo Dam irrigation project in Mirangine Ward, Ol Kalou constituency, Nyandarua county on May 11/ HANDOUT

Officials from the State Department for Irrigation and the National Irrigation Authority (NIA) have held a public participation forum to discuss the proposed irrigation project at Gwa Kiongo Dam in Mirangine Ward, Ol Kalou constituency, Nyandarua county.

Members of the public during discussions on the proposed Gwa Kiongo Dam irrigation project in Mirangine Ward, Ol Kalou constituency, Nyandarua county on May 11 / HANDOUT

The meeting was led by Principal Secretary for Irrigation, CPA Ephantus Kimotho, and brought together farmers, representatives from the National Government Administration Officers (Ngao) from Nyandarua government.

PS Irrigation CPA Ephantus Kimotho during a public participation forum on the proposed Gwa Kiongo Dam irrigation project in Mirangine ward, Ol Kalou constituency, Nyandarua county on May 11/ HANDOUT

The forum sought to collect views from stakeholders and deliberate on the implementation of the project and its anticipated benefits to the local community.

Gwa Kiongo Dam in Mirangine Ward, Ol Kalou constituency, Nyandarua county, earmarked for the proposed irrigation project.

According to officials, the Gwa Kiongo Dam was initially developed in the 1940s and later desilted by the National Irrigation Authority in 2021.

Gwa Kiongo Dam in Mirangine Ward, Ol Kalou constituency, Nyandarua county, as community members observe and engage around the proposed irrigation project area on May 11/HANDOUT

During the engagement, participants discussed how the proposed irrigation scheme could enhance agricultural productivity in the area, support farmers with reliable water supply, and contribute to improved food production.

Outlook of Gwa Kiongo Dam in Mirangine ward, Ol Kalou constituency, Nyandarua county, with a storage capacity of 450,000 cubic metres of water, earmarked for the proposed irrigation project /HANDOUT

The dam has a storage capacity of 450,000 cubic metres of water and has the potential to irrigate more than 1,000 acres of land.

The project is also expected to create employment opportunities and increase household incomes once fully implemented.

PS Irrigation CPA Ephantus Kimotho during a public participation forum on May 11/ HANDOUT

The Irrigation Department indicated that the initiative aligns with the government’s broader development framework under the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (Beta), which prioritises agricultural transformation, food security, and economic empowerment at the grassroots level.

PS Irrigation Ephantus Kimotho and officials from the State department during a public participation meeting on the proposed Gwa Kiongo Dam irrigation project in Mirangine Ward, Ol Kalou constituency, Nyandarua county on May 11/ HANDOUT

Officials said the Government, under the leadership of President William Ruto, remains committed to expanding irrigation infrastructure across the country to maximize agricultural potential and reduce reliance on rain-fed farming.

They noted that sustainable irrigation projects are key to strengthening food security and supporting economic growth in rural communities.