Kenya Launches £2.5 Million Irrigation Project to Transform 10,000 Farmers' Lives

2026-02-04 region

Kajiado, 4 February 2026
The Nguruman Irrigation Scheme in Kajiado County represents a pivotal moment for drought-stricken communities traditionally reliant on pastoralism. Using modern drip irrigation technology, the project enables farmers to cultivate diverse crops including okra, pawpaw, and maize whilst reducing human-wildlife conflict through sustainable livelihoods.

Strategic Government Investment in Climate Resilience

Principal Secretary for Irrigation Ephantus Kimotho officially commissioned the Nguruman Irrigation Scheme on Tuesday, 3 February 2026, in Magadi Ward, Kajiado West Constituency [1]. The project, valued at KSh 396 million [alert! ‘currency conversion rate not provided in sources’], demonstrates the Kenyan government’s commitment to addressing climate vulnerabilities through infrastructure investment [1]. More than 10,000 farmers in the constituency are set to benefit from improved food production and stable incomes through this comprehensive irrigation initiative [1][3]. The scheme aligns with the government’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BeTA), which prioritises sustainable livelihoods and food security at the grassroots level [1][3].

Advanced Technology Transforms Agricultural Productivity

The Nguruman Irrigation Scheme employs modern drip irrigation technology, which has significantly increased farm productivity whilst ensuring efficient and sustainable water use [1][3]. According to the commissioning report, farmers under the scheme are already recording higher yields for the domestic market, leading to improved household incomes and better food and nutrition security [1][3]. The project covers Block B of the irrigation scheme, providing farmers with 960 acres of irrigated land [6]. During the commissioning ceremony, Principal Secretary Kimotho emphasised that ‘Nguruman is a clear demonstration that irrigation, when properly planned, can drive climate resilience, improve food production, and stabilise livelihoods’ [1][3].

Rehabilitation Following Climate Disasters

The State Department for Irrigation began rehabilitating Nguruman Irrigation Scheme Block B in 2024, following appeals from farmers after heavy flooding damaged canals and water intakes [1][3]. The destruction had disrupted water supply and made farming untenable in the region [1][3]. Rehabilitation works focused on restoring canals and water intakes, with the department introducing river protection measures to reduce future flood risks [1][3]. These comprehensive efforts ensure a consistent water supply to farms and are expected to enhance food security whilst creating employment opportunities for local communities [1][3].

Diversified Agriculture and Regional Development Vision

Farmers in Nguruman are currently cultivating a wide range of crops including okra, pawpaw, mangoes, bananas, kales, tomatoes, and maize [1][3]. The scheme also supports integrated crop-livestock systems, further strengthening household resilience and productivity [1][3]. Kajiado West Member of Parliament Sinkuyo praised the State Department for Irrigation, stating that ‘Kajiado can be the next Galana if irrigation is fully embraced and supported’ [1][3]. Beyond agricultural benefits, the scheme has helped reduce human-wildlife conflict by providing reliable livelihoods and limiting encroachment into wildlife habitats [1][3]. Local farmers have welcomed the intervention and capacity-building initiatives, as they can now diversify their livelihoods and adopt farming alongside traditional pastoralism [1][3]. The commissioning ceremony was attended by Irrigation Secretary Vincent Kabuti, Director of Irrigation and Drainage Bernard Onyango, and officials from both national and county governments [1][3].

Bronnen

irrigation scheme Kajiado farmers