For years, farming in Murindat Ward has largely depended on the availability of rain, leaving farmers vulnerable to unpredictable weather patterns and the uncertainty of seasonal harvests.

However, a new irrigation project is expected to change this reality for 321 farmers by providing a more reliable source of water for agricultural production.

Nakuru Governor Susan Kihika led the groundbreaking ceremony for the establishment of the Kabugi Irrigation Project in Gilgil Sub-County, marking the beginning of an initiative expected to bring 64.2 hectares of farmland under irrigation.

The project, located approximately 2.5 kilometres from Gitare Trading Centre, will draw water from Kabugi Earth Dam, which has a storage capacity of 250,000 cubic metres. The dam, situated on the hilly side of Murindat Ward along the border with Nyandarua County, will serve as the main water source for the proposed irrigation system.

Under the project design, 321 farmers will benefit through two water distribution systems. Solar-powered pumping will supply 139 farmers located upstream, while a gravity-fed system will serve another 182 farmers downstream. Each farmer is expected to access irrigation water for approximately 0.2 hectares of land, bringing the total area under irrigation to 64.2 hectares.

The development will involve the construction of an intake chamber to support both the gravity system and solar pumping unit, alongside the installation of a 27,773-metre pipeline network comprising conveyance, main, sub-main and distribution pipelines.

A total of 321 plot hydrants will also be installed to facilitate water access at individual farms.

Nakuru County Governor Susan Kihika during the groundbreaking of the Kabugi dam in Gilgil Sub-county.

Photo credit: Muthoni Wanjiku/ Mtaa Wangu

For farmers, the project presents an opportunity to move beyond reliance on rain-fed agriculture, allowing them to plan their planting seasons more effectively, improve crop production and potentially increase household incomes through more consistent harvests.

However, the project design provides that individual farmers will meet the cost of in-field infrastructure, including field hydrants, sprinkler laterals and associated fittings required to distribute water within their respective farms.

Kabugi irrigation project to bring 64.2 hectares under irrigation, benefit 321 farmers in Gilgil

Author Spotlight

Muthoni Wanjiku