Kirinyaga County Sees Rice Production Soar Following Thiba Dam Completion

Kirinyaga County, Kenya – The completion of Thiba Dam has marked a significant milestone for rice farmers in the Mwea Irrigation Settlement Scheme (MIS), leading to a notable increase in rice yields.

According to Kenya News Agency, Innocent Ariemba, the annual rice production in the scheme has surged to an estimated 114,000 metric tonnes over the last three years, with the potential to reach about 220,000 metric tonnes thanks to the dam’s impact.

MIS, located within Kirinyaga County’s Mwea East and Mwea West sub-counties, has seen its production capacity nearly double since the dam ensured a consistent water supply. The scheme, which started in 1954 with just 65 acres, now spans over 30,050 acres, benefitting from the support of the national government and development partners like the Japanese International Corporation Agency (JICA). JICA has contributed significantly to the scheme’s growth, constructing the Nyamidi Water Intake, the Mwea Irrigation Agricultural Development (MIAD) research centre, and the Thiba Dam itself.

Despite facing a severe drought in its first year of completion, which prevented the dam from filling to capacity, subsequent rains filled the dam, enhancing water supply stability for rice cultivation. The scheme now supports three rice-growing seasons annually, up from two, allowing farmers to undertake double cropping and significantly boost production. The expansion has increased the scheme’s irrigated area by 5,000 acres, with plans to extend it further to 10,000 acres upon the completion of modern canals.

The scheme’s contribution to the local and national economy is substantial, with an estimated value chain worth over Sh9 billion. It supports 17,000 farmers and directly benefits an estimated 80,000 individuals, given the average household size within the farming community. The success of the Mwea scheme, which accounts for 80% of the country’s rice production, is crucial for Kenya’s food security.

However, the scheme faces challenges, including climate change, water shortages, pests, diseases, and the need for improved infrastructure. The Kirinyaga County senator, Kamau Murango, highlighted the importance of Thiba Dam in combating these issues and called for further investments in dam lining and road upgrades to support the scheme’s growth and reduce the cost of rice production.

The farmers’ anticipation of the benefits of water security from Thiba Dam is high, with expectations of increased production and enhanced food security. The call for government action to renovate canals and ensure a ready market for locally produced rice reflects the community’s commitment to maximizing the dam’s potential for agricultural success in Kirinyaga County.