National Irrigation Authority

04/05/2026

Today, the National Irrigation Authority (NIA) CEO Eng. Charles Muasya, MBS and Management hosted Dr. Inga Jacobs-Mata, Director of Water, Growth and Inclusion, and Dr. Mohsin Hafeez, Strategic Program Director for Water, Food and Ecosystems, from the International Water Management Institute (IWMI) for a high-level consultative meeting.

The discussions focused on a multi-faceted approach to transforming Kenya’s irrigation landscape. Central to the talks was the implementation of climate-smart irrigation and water use efficiency, with both parties exploring ways to institutionalize adaptive irrigation scheduling and deficit strategies to maximize more crop per drop, specifically within resilient systems tailored for ASAL regions.

To modernize these operations, the dialogue shifted toward digital irrigation and decision support systems. The teams highlighted the integration of mobile-based advisory tools, GIS and remote sensing to create a responsive, data-driven management environment through the development of irrigation data dashboards.

Underpinning these efforts is a shared commitment to Capacity Building and Knowledge Transfer, ensuring NIA staff are trained in advanced modeling while farmers are empowered with the practical skills to sustain these innovations.

The Authority continues to engage with global partners like IWMI to increase acreage under irrigation and support food security as espoused in the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA).

01/05/2026

Happy Labour Day

25/04/2026

Today, the National Irrigation Authority, led by the Chief Executive Officer, Eng. Charles Muasya, MBS, joined the Principal Secretary, State Department for Irrigation, CPA Ephantus Kimotho, CBS, the Oloolua Restoration Initiative Patron in the “Run for Oloolua Forest” initiative.

The run which was flagged off at Turaco Camp in Ngong was intended to mobilize stakeholders, raise awareness and generate resources towards fencing and restoration of Oloolua forest which covers approximately 681hectares with a perimeter of 25km.

The event was graced by several senior government officials including the Chief Guest Dr. Chris Kiptoo, PS National Treasury and Patron Kaptagat Forest Restoration Initiative, Dr. Eng. Festus K. Ng’eno, CBS, PS, State Department for Environment and Climate Change, several PS's and other stakeholders. Their presence reinforced inter-institutional collaboration and a shared commitment towards environmental sustainability.

The Authority sponsored a total of 100 participants drawn from the Head Office, schemes and regions to take part in the run and additionally, had a booth where it displayed various projects it has implemented across the country.

By actively supporting restoration efforts and engaging stakeholders, the National Irrigation Authority reaffirmed its role not only in advancing irrigation infrastructure, but also in safeguarding natural ecosystems for the benefit of present and future generations.

23/04/2026

Run for Oloolua Forest.

22/04/2026

Today, the Chief Executive Officer of the National Irrigation Authority, Eng. Charles Muasya, MBS, alongside other senior managers hosted farmer leaders from West Kano Irrigation Scheme for a consultative meeting on the optimization of the Scheme.

This is expected to contribute to land restoration through the reclamation of approximately 1,000 acres submerged by the rise of water level in Lake Victoria while also enhancing food security, improving farmers’ income, increasing water management efficiency, improve infrastructure and access within the scheme and building climate resilience.

The CEO assured the leaders of the Authority’s support in reclaiming the 1,000 acres to ensure full utilization of the scheme. He further outlined plans to expand the irrigation area, build the capacity of scheme leaders on management and governance in line with the Irrigation Act 2019 and Regulations.

16/04/2026

Today, the National Irrigation Authority (NIA) hosted the Cabinet Secretary for Water, Irrigation and Sanitation, Eng. Eric Mugaa, during an inspection tour and public participation meeting for Phase II of the Kiirua Buuri Irrigation Water Project in Buuri constituency, Meru County.

The Cabinet Secretary was received by the NIA Board Chairman, Eng. Gilbert Maluki, NIA CEO, Eng. Charles Muasya, area MP Hon. Mugambi Rindikiri, senior members of NIA management among other local and national leaders.

Phase I of the project was successfully implemented by the National Irrigation Authority and handed over to the farmers, who have since managed it effectively. The project management committee was trained by NIA during project implementation and is currently in charge of all the affairs on Operation and Maintenance of the project.

Since its commissioning by H.E the President in April 2023, the project has put 2,000 acres under irrigation and is currently serving approximately 3,700 farmers.

National Irrigation Authority CEO, Eng. Charles Muasya, MBS highlighted the remarkable success of the project, noting that it has increased farmers’ income to approximately Kes 800 Million per year, an impressive figure that serves as a clear indicator of a well-managed community-owned irrigation project. This demonstrates the impact Irrigation has to the economy. He further added that the Authority remains committed to expanding the project so as to put more area under irrigation and benefit more farmers across the region.

Buuri MP Hon. Mugambi Rindikiri urged the community to increase their membership in the project even as NIA begins implementation of Phase II.

In his address, the Cabinet Secretary underscored the government’s commitment to shifting the country from rain-fed agriculture to irrigated agriculture in order to ensure food security. He also emphasized the importance of today’s public participation in the expansion of the project, which will enable it to benefit even more farmers in the region.

All the farmers led by their chairman Lawi Kenyamu thanked the government for honoring its pledge and agreed to have implementation of phase II commence as scheduled.

11/04/2026

Today, the National Irrigation Authority (NIA) Director of Irrigation Management Services, Eng. Jairus Serede, visited the Ahero and West Kano Irrigation Schemes on behalf of the CEO Eng. Charles Muasya to address emerging disputes and conduct site inspection on key irrigation infrastructure and ongoing cropping activities.

Accompanied by the Western Kenya Schemes Manager, Kennedy Ouma, he toured the schemes pumping stations, the drying floor at Ahero Irrigation Scheme and cropped sections in both schemes to assess their performance and water distribution.

Eng. Serede also engaged with farmer leadership, meeting the newly elected Irrigation Water Users Association (IWUA) at Ahero Irrigation Scheme and their counterparts at West Kano Irrigation Scheme. The discussions focused on challenges faced by farmers and their solutions.

The visit underscored the Authority’s commitment to addressing stakeholder concerns and enhancing the efficiency and sustainability of irrigation management as we strive to achieve the rice targets set out in the Bottom Up Economic Transformation Agenda( BeTA).

10/04/2026

The Authority facilitated election of farmers' leaders in Ahero Irrigation scheme for Irrigation Water Users' Association (IWUA), Dispute Resolution Committee Executive and Groups’ Executive.

In the Dispute Resolution Committee Leaders Executive Office (2026–2029), George Odhiambo Owade was elected Chairperson, George Obunde as Secretary and Godfrey Achero as Treasurer.

In the IWUA Executive Office, David Odawo was elected Chairperson, David Otieno Odawo as Secretary and John Osambo Orayo as Treasurer, while Elly Okuta, Nancy Ongus and John Nick were elected to lead the Group Leaders Executive Office.

The elections were conducted in an open and transparent manner, with winners determined by majority vote, reinforcing democratic participation and establishing leadership to support accountable and sustainable irrigation management.

08/04/2026

Today, the Authority facilitated the farmers’ primary elections at the Ahero Irrigation Scheme, which were conducted by the Directorate of Social Development, aimed at strengthening farmer representation and governance within the scheme.

Farmers are organized into 12 blocks, under which 30 feeders are structured to enhance coordination and participation. During the exercise, each block elected a Block Representative, Offtake Leader and Feeder Leaders. Moreover, each block also elected one representative to the Dispute Resolution Committee.

The elections were conducted through an open and transparent manner, where farmers elected their preferred candidates, with those receiving the highest number of votes declared winners.

The exercise provided an opportunity for farmers to exercise their democratic right and elect leaders who will serve as a vital link between the farming community and National Irrigation Authority officers, promoting effective communication, accountability and efficient scheme management.

03/04/2026

27/03/2026

Today, the National Irrigation Authority (NIA) marked another significant milestone by signing a commercial and lease agreement of a parcel of land in the Bura Irrigation Scheme in Tana River County Lot No.B2 for sugar production on 50,000 acres with Sukari Industries Ltd.

The NIA CEO, Eng. Charles Muasya, MBS signed the agreement with Tejueer S. Rai and witnessed by Onkar S. Rai both of Sukari Industries Ltd.

The investor will undertake infrastructure development, cane production and value addition on the leased 50,000acres as well as establishment of other necessary support infrastructure.

Kenya consumes approximately 1.2 million metric tonnes of sugar annually, yet domestic production has frequently been unable to meet this demand, averaging between 600,000 and 700,000 metric tonnes per year. The shortfall necessitates imports to bridge the gap, placing considerable pressure on the country’s foreign exchange reserves.

The investor will use modern technology and precision agriculture to maximize the available land for sugar cane production with a view of expanding in future.

Under Corporate Socia Responsibility (CSR), Sukari Industries will be building Schools; guided by the philosophy, “the best you can give to anyone is education”, sinking boreholes and putting up health facilities in the community. Further, they will engage the locals for human capital besides knowledge transfer on sugar cane production.

NIA CEO Eng. Charles Muasya promised to ensure provision of irrigation water and all other necessary support to the investor for successful implementation of the project.

He further called on the Investor to progressively crop the entire farm in the next three years as stipulated in the agreement so as to help reduce the sugar production gap in Kenya, contribute to food production, reduction of poverty, creation of employment opportunities and lowering of the cost of living as espoused in the Bottom Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA).

27/03/2026

The National Irrigation Authority (NIA) hosted The Head of the Government Delivery Unit (GDU), Mr. Olando Sitati, on an inspection tour of the Galana Kulalu Food Security Project in Kilifi and Tana River counties on March 26, 2026. He was accompanied by Coast Regional Commissioner Ms. Rhoda Onyancha, NIA's Director of Irrigation Management Services, Eng. Jairus Serede who was representing the CEO and other senior officials

Mr. Olando Sitati inspected the Galana Kulalu Food Security Project, visited the Galana Bridge (98% complete) and reviewed the ongoing intake protection works.

In his address, Mr. Sitati hailed the good job NIA has done in the Galana Kulalu project, highlighting the recently signed contract for the Athi (Galana) Dam as a transformative win for the Tana River and Kilifi Counties. While the dam will bring 300,000 acres under irrigation, he noted that its value lies in its role as an economic engine for local residents.

The Head of GDU emphasized that this project is more than just infrastructure; it is a commitment to uplifting local communities through massive job creation across diverse agricultural value chains. By shifting from rain-fed farming to climate-resilient irrigation, the Government through is ensuring that the people of Tana and Kilifi are no longer victims of drought but active participants in Kenya’s food production.