Government to construct 100 dams in Kenya to irrigate 3 million acres of lan

In order to construct 100 dams in Kenya and progressively cover 3 million acres with irrigation systems, President William Ruto recently promised to initiate public-private partnerships.

The President stated that the government intends to increase the area irrigated in the country by 1.4 million acres over the next three years. He noted that irrigation is the most effective way to address the food shortage. Dr. Ruto mentioned the above while speaking at Uhuru Gardens during the 59th Mashujaa Day celebration.

In addition, President Ruto announced the allocation of 200,000 acres of land for the irrigation of rice. He claimed that the existing mechanisms for these schemes only require improvement. He added that 500,000 will be used for the growing of food crops.

Ruto said that priority will be given to areas that currently have mechanisms in place for the government to up-scale. These areas include Bunyala, the Tana delta, Rahona near Garissa, Mwea, and Ahero.

The commissioning of the Thiba Dam project in Gichugu

Just a few days earlier, President Ruto had commissioned the Sh 8.2 billion Thiba Dam project in Gichugu. Gichugu is a community in Kirinyaga County. He stated that Thiba Dam would boost food production from Sh10 billion to Sh18 billion and provide more than 50, 000 jobs per year.

He further said that the dam will be vital in solving the country’s food crisis since. The President noted that it will reduce its dependence on rain-fed agriculture. He added that it will increase food production, and boost farmer income.

He added that part of his administration’s approach to rebuilding agriculture in the nation involves deliberately planned investment in, construction of, and expansion of dams around the country.

Similarly, the president stated that his government will continue to provide fertilizer subsidies in the short term. It will also make plans to manufacture the product while working with other East African countries.