Kirinyaga:The Kirinyaga County Government has pledged to rehabilitate the deteriorating on-farm roads within the Mwea Irrigation Scheme. The roads have been in poor condition for several years, complicating the transportation of rice from farms to markets.
According to Kenya News Agency, Governor Anne Waiguru addressed rice farmers and local leaders, acknowledging that the responsibility for road maintenance typically lies with the National Irrigation Authority, which oversees the scheme. However, she noted that delays in rehabilitation have significantly impacted rice transportation and increased costs for farmers.
The county government plans to supply machinery and fuel to improve the murraming of these roads, which is anticipated to ease the transport of farm produce and lower operational expenses for the farmers.
Governor Waiguru also encouraged Mwea residents to continue supporting developmental initiatives by engaging constructively with both county and national governments. She emphasized that Mwea’s future prosperity relies on protecting current investments and completing ongoing projects.
Highlighting Mwea’s role as a key contributor to Kirinyaga County’s economy and Kenya’s food security, Waiguru pointed out that the region is the leading rice-producing area in the nation. Thousands of farming households depend on the irrigation scheme, affordable agricultural inputs, market access, and efficient transportation for their livelihoods.
National government support, including subsidized fertilizers, seedlings, and agricultural programs, has also been crucial. Waiguru mentioned the Kenya National Trading Corporation’s efforts to purchase locally produced rice to ensure stable markets for farmers, supported by a Sh1 billion government fund to cushion rice farmers and prioritize local rice before any imports.
