Kirinyaga: Smallholder farmers in Kirinyaga are experiencing a remarkable transformation in agricultural productivity following the launch of the Kandeki Irrigation Project in July 2023, a model initiative that officials say could be replicated nationwide.
According to Kenya News Agency, the project is a partnership between the Kenya Government, Equity Bank, the German Government, and KfW Development Fund. It has already delivered water to over 225 acres of farmland, directly benefiting 246 farmers, with more than 800 smallholders expected to benefit in the near future. The German Government contributed £2.5 million, while Equity Bank provides financing and capacity-building support.
Speaking during the commissioning of the Kandeki Project, Water, Sanitation, and Irrigation Cabinet Secretary Eric Mugaa emphasized the transformative potential of irrigation farming. Joining him were Kirinyaga Deputy Governor David Githanda and other stakeholders, including Germany Ambassador Sebastian Groth and Equity Bank CEO Dr. James Mwangi. The Cabinet Secretary highlighted that beyond increased yields, the projects aim to create jobs and boost household incomes.
Cabinet Secretary Eric Mugaa emphasized the government’s commitment to linking farmers with markets and agribusinesses, in partnership with county governments. “The National Government and county Government is working to ensure that farmers are connected directly to aggregators and buyers. This is part of a new value chain we are developing, which will improve efficiency, increase profits, and create sustainable livelihoods,” he said.
The Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Water, Sanitation and Irrigation, Ephantus Kimotho, emphasized that sustainability and farmer empowerment are central to the project’s long-term success. He explained that the Kandeki Irrigation Project was not only about delivering water to farms but also about equipping farmers with knowledge, skills, and organizational structures to maintain productivity for decades to come.
Farmers like Daniel Muriuki have experienced significant changes. Once reliant on unpredictable rain-fed maize farming, Muriuki now manages 300 coffee stems, each yielding an average of five kilograms last year, with expectations of higher production this year thanks to irrigation. “With reliable water, I can plan my planting seasons, practice crop rotation, and plant French beans alongside tomatoes. This allows me to harvest three times a year,” Muriuki said.
Other farmers have reported similar successes. In Mitooini, Jane Wanjiku has diversified her crops, integrating vegetables, fruits, and poultry. “I no longer depend on unpredictable weather. I plan my planting calendar, harvest consistently, and sell produce in local markets. The project has empowered us to treat farming as a business and a career,” said Wanjiku.
Deputy Governor David Githanda praised the strong foundation laid by the Kandeki Irrigation Project, noting that the government has walked with farmers every step of the way. He emphasized the importance of youth engagement in agriculture, saying, “Projects like Kandeki show that agriculture can be innovative, profitable, and aspirational.”
German Ambassador Sebastian Groth emphasized the importance of monitoring the program’s impact on the ground. “Agriculture remains the backbone of Kenya’s economy. We want to see how this program is improving livelihoods at the grassroots level,” he said.
Equity Bank CEO Dr. James Mwangi reinforced the bank’s commitment to making irrigation commercially viable for smallholders. “We have financed 24 irrigation schemes and aim to support more than 200 across the country,” he said.
Mitooini Cooperative Chairman Evan Muriuki Ngari echoed the benefits, stating that their 500-member group now produces significant outputs and has transformed farming into a sustainable business and a source of jobs for the youth.