Bamba: The Government has moved to expand irrigation infrastructure across the country as part of a wider strategy to guarantee food security for Kenya’s growing population, even as the country’s landmass remains unchanged. Speaking during the launch of the Sh79 million rehabilitation of the Ndigiria Water Pan in Bamba, Kilifi County, Agriculture and Livestock Development Cabinet Secretary (CS) Mutahi Kagwe said the project is expected to transform food production in the semi-arid region as part of a wider Government strategy to guarantee food security for the country’s growing population.
According to Kenya News Agency, the CS emphasized the necessity of making water available to match the population growth, underscoring the importance of not letting large volumes of runoff go to waste during the rainy season. He pointed out that communities often face water shortages and food insecurity months after the rains have ended.
The government’s strategy involves capturing runoff from seasonal rivers, expanding dams and water pans, and tapping groundwater through deep boreholes. This water will then be channeled into agricultural production. Kagwe linked the Ndigiria project to broader national efforts, including the Galana-Kulalu Irrigation Scheme and ongoing dam development programs. He stressed that with the country’s dependency on rain, it is crucial to have water available for agriculture to ensure farmers can produce year-round.
The Ndigiria Water Pan, established in 1963, is under rehabilitation to restore its water-holding capacity and support a 50-acre smallholder irrigation scheme. The project will directly benefit more than 100 farmers, reach an estimated 4,026 indirect beneficiaries, and provide water for about 15,398 livestock. Implemented under the National Agricultural Value Chain Development Project (NAVCDP), the project includes desilting and stabilizing the pan, fencing, and installing various infrastructure components.
CS Kagwe expressed the goal of turning water into food, jobs, and income, encouraging beneficiaries to diversify production by combining food crops with commercially viable ones. He assured farmers of support through seeds, extension services, and technical assistance. To ensure continuous access to water during construction, the project will be carried out in phases. Additionally, CS Kagwe emphasized separating livestock watering points from the irrigation facility and prioritizing local employment.
He also committed to advocating for the grading of the Bamba road network to facilitate the movement of farm produce to markets. As part of the project’s financial empowerment component, CS Kagwe handed over Sh30,512,579 to eight local SACCOs to strengthen farmers’ access to credit. Principal Secretary for Cooperatives Development, Patrick Kilemi, highlighted the role of strong cooperatives in helping farmers aggregate produce, access markets, and negotiate better returns.
Kilifi Deputy Governor, Flora Mbetsa Chibule, encouraged residents to take ownership of the project, noting that its benefits would be sustainable if the community protected the infrastructure. She emphasized the long-term benefits for the current and future generations.
