Meru: Water and irrigation projects took center stage during a Nyambene Synod joint service at Kiengu Methodist Church in Igembe Central on Sunday, with Water, Irrigation, and Sanitation Cabinet Secretary Erick Murithi Mugaa outlining plans to increase water supply in Kiengu and surrounding areas.
According to Kenya News Agency, speaking during the service presided over by Presiding Bishop John Maromba, CS Mugaa said the government had started planning for additional water sources to address persistent shortages in Kiengu Sub County. The CS noted that Murimi Springs, which currently serves residents, does not have sufficient and reliable water to meet the needs of the growing population. To supplement the springs, he mentioned the government’s consideration of drilling three boreholes, which would be integrated into the existing water system.
CS Mugaa identified Amaku, Njoune, and Mutuatine as the areas set to benefit from additional water infrastructure, including storage tanks, aiming to boost water availability. He further announced that the government had allocated Sh20 million for water distribution in Maili Tatu, while repair works at Ura Dam 4 were already underway. Sewerage and irrigation projects are also ongoing in the region, as part of broader development efforts.
The CS emphasized plans to invest in the Murimi Irrigation Scheme in Kiengu, suggesting that enhanced irrigation facilities would facilitate year-round farming for residents. ‘We will bring development to the villages,’ Mugaa stated, highlighting the cooperation between President William Ruto’s administration and Meru leaders as a catalyst for these initiatives.
Igembe Central MP Dan Kiili Karitho, present at the service, spoke on irrigation efforts, noting that the Kawiru Water Project would be expanded following the completion of the Murimi project. He pointed out the importance of supporting miraa farmers by reducing the cost of water pumping for agricultural purposes.
The leaders called for increased political unity within the Meru community, with CS Mugaa urging leaders and residents to reassess their political direction and support development-oriented figures. He encouraged Meru residents to evaluate leaders based on their development accomplishments and asked the church to collaborate with leaders in prioritizing community needs.
Rev Carol Karea Kaberia highlighted Meru’s prominence in the national utilization of development funds. Meanwhile, former Meru Woman Representative Florence Kajuju defended her track record on miraa, asserting her role in bringing farmers’ issues into the political spotlight. Kajuju voiced concerns over declining miraa prices and the loss of affirmative action funds, appealing to residents for another chance to tackle these challenges.
The leaders announced that public participation regarding the proposed water projects in Kiengu would occur in the coming weeks as the government seeks to finalize improvement plans for water supply in the area.
