Deputy President Kithure Kindiki launches the construction of the Karima Kabutu Irrigation Project in Othaya, Nyeri County

Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has launched the construction of the Karima Kabutu Irrigation Project in Othaya, Nyeri County, which is expected to irrigate 834 acres and benefit 1,668 households.

The project is intended to provide reliable water for farming and domestic use, allowing farmers to grow crops throughout the year and reducing their dependence on rainfall.

Kindiki, who was hosted by Irrigation Principal Secretary Ephantus Kimotho, said the government was committed to accelerating the completion of irrigation projects across the country to improve food security, strengthen rural livelihoods and build resilience to climate change.

Deputy President Kithure Kindiki and Irrigation PS Ephantus Kimotho in Othaya, Nyeri County

The project will support the production of cabbages, tomatoes, peas and potatoes, as well as fruit trees. It is also expected to create employment, promote agribusiness and contribute to local economic growth.

The planned works include intake structures, sedimentation tanks, conveyance pipelines, a mainline, sub-mains and two distribution systems serving Iriaini and Witima. In-field irrigation systems and auxiliary structures, including gulley and river crossings, will also be constructed.

According to the project details, financial analysis indicates that the investment is financially, socially and economically viable.

It is projected to generate gross annual income of about Sh627 million, with an estimated payback period of two years.

Farmers are expected to earn an average gross annual income of approximately Sh750,000 per acre.

The project is also expected to support drought mitigation by cushioning farmers against unreliable rainfall and the effects of climate change.

The provision of water for domestic use is expected to improve the livelihoods of communities within the project area.

The project is aligned with the government's Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda, which prioritises food security, job creation, agricultural productivity and improved livelihoods.