President Uhuru Kenyatta on Monday inspected the ongoing construction of the Sh8.5 billion Thiba Dam and the Sh2.6 billion Mwea Irrigation Scheme expansion project in Kirinyaga County.
While addressing residents who had gathered to receive him, Uhuru said Thiba dam will transform rice farming in the region by enabling farmers to increase production as well as providing adequate clean water for domestic and agricultural use by residents of Kirinyaga and neighboring counties.
“When this dam is complete it will enable the residents to have enough water for irrigation not once a year but continuously thereby enabling rice farmers in Mwea to double their production,” he said.
The construction of the dam based in Gichugu is expected to be complete by end of the year.
Uhuru announced Government plans to construct a hospital in the area and relocate a local school whose operations have been hampered by the mega project.
He was accompanied area leaders led by Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru, County MP Wangui Ngirici and Water CS Sicily Kariuki among others.
The Head of State also inspected the Mwea Irrigation Scheme expansion project that seeks to raise the area under rice cultivation from 10,000acres to 35,000acres by February next year.
Once complete, the project is expected to increase rice production in Mwea from 114,000 to 200,000 metric tonnes annually.
It is also expected to create about 50,000 new jobs.
In his address to area residents, Uhuru said the various infrastructural projects being undertaken throughout the country are the foundation of a better Kenya.
"Let us walk and work together as Kenyans. What we are doing now is laying a strong foundation for a better tomorrow. Do not be deceived by anyone that they are able to single headedly change the lives of Kenyans,” he said.
The President made stopovers in Karatina, Kagumo and Kutus towns where he addressed thousands of Nyeri and Kirinyaga residents who had lined the roads to receive him.
He cautioned area residents to be wary of deceitful and self-seeking politicians who are out to divide wananchi for selfish gains.
The President said he had fulfilled his pre-election promise of delivering Thiba dam and related Irrigation infrastructure which was among other pledges such as key roads and electricity connectivity.
“Some of you tend to forget what you had requested. You can see what the Government has done. I had promised to fulfil my pledges and as you can see work is ongoing. Don’t be deceived by few misguided individuals. My Government is action oriented and we don’t waste time with empty talk,” Uhuru said.
