Ruto Commissions KSh147 Million Ziwa 2 Irrigation Project
The government plans to construct 50 mega dams, 200 medium-sized dams and 1,000 micro dams to increase water availability for agricultural production.
President William Ruto commissions the KSh147 million Ziwa 2 Earth Dam Irrigation Project in Soy Constituency, Uasin Gishu County, a scheme expected to bring 500 acres under irrigation and support 1,000 farmers. Photo: President William Ruto.
By Robert Mutasi
President William Ruto has commissioned the KSh147 million Ziwa 2 Earth Dam Irrigation Project in Soy Constituency, Uasin Gishu County, a scheme expected to bring 500 acres under irrigation and support 1,000 farmers.
The project, located in Sirikwa Location, aims to promote year-round farming, improve crop production and increase household incomes by reducing farmers’ reliance on rain-fed agriculture.
Speaking during the commissioning, Ruto said the initiative was part of the government’s wider plan to expand irrigation infrastructure across the country and strengthen food security.
The government plans to construct 50 mega dams, 200 medium-sized dams and 1,000 micro dams to increase water availability for agricultural production.
According to the National Irrigation Authority (NIA), rehabilitation works at Ziwa 2 began in June 2025 and are substantially complete. The remaining farmer connections and dam fencing are expected to be completed by the end of November 2026.
The works involved desilting the dam and reconstructing its embankment, increasing its water storage capacity to one million cubic metres. Two solar-powered pumping systems have also been installed to supply water to farms.
Irrigation Principal Secretary Ephantus Kimotho and NIA Chief Executive Officer Charles Muasya said the project would directly benefit 1,000 farmers, with a further 5,000 people expected to benefit indirectly through employment and related economic activities.
Farmers will grow maize and beans alongside horticultural crops such as spinach, passion fruit, kale, tomatoes and onions. Coffee is also among the crops targeted under the scheme.
The authority estimates that farmers could earn an average of KSh200,000 per acre annually, based on two cropping seasons, although actual returns will depend on production costs, yields and market prices.
The State Department for Irrigation, through the NIA, will support farmers in establishing and strengthening an Irrigation Water Users Association. The programme will also include training on commercial farming and assistance in accessing markets.
A second phase is planned to extend irrigation to an additional 2,000 acres and serve a further 4,000 households, expanding the scheme’s reach beyond its initial target of 500 acres.
National and county government officials attended the commissioning ceremony.
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