President William Ruto has commissioned the Ithanga irrigation and water project which will benefit 20,000 households in Murang'a County.
Speaking during the commissioning on Thursday, the President emphasized the need to improve agriculture using such projects.
“In Kenya, we use Sh500 billion a year to import food from other countries and I want us to solve this matter by improving agriculture in Kenya therefore I'm giving citizens water for irrigation, seeds, and fertilizers and will pay our farmers,” Ruto said.
The project done by Athi Water Works Development Agency was estimated to cost Sh3.6 billion which takes place in three phases.
A 423km pipeline distribution channel in the Ithanga region will be set up to enable access to water.
President Ruto promised to promote the local farmers and divert the Sh500 billion to them while ensuring they have enough market for their produce.
“I will also set up a market which will have a cold room which will provide storage and avoid loss of produce and money,” Ruto said.
The president emphasized that he wants the Gatanga constituency to not only benefit from the irrigation project for more food production but also reduce water shortage in other neighbouring areas.
“This water project will also benefit the neighbouring Masinga and Yatta constituencies which suffer from drought,” Ruto said.
