National Irrigation Authority

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.

25/03/2026

Today, the National Irrigation Authority's Corporate Communication team conducted a staff sensitization session on the Customer Service Delivery Charter, organizational communication and excellent customer service delivery for members of staff at the Head Office

The sensitization programme had earlier been conducted across all Authority's service centers including public irrigation schemes, research stations and regional offices.

During the sessions, staff were informed about the key provisions of the Authority’s Customer Service Delivery Charter, its core aspects and the expected deliverables aimed at ensuring all set targets are achieved.

In an interactive session, staff were also trained on organizational communication and excellent customer service delivery. The training was designed to equip employees with the necessary knowledge, skills and attitude to communicate clearly, respond promptly and deliver customer service in a professional and consistent manner. Staff were sensitized on the importance of continuously improving the quality of services and the central role that customers play in the success of the organization and the wider community.

The Authority’s CEO, Eng. Charles Muasya, MBS, emphasized the importance of excellent customer service delivery in ensuring that the Authority’s clients receive high-quality services from the staff.

The National Irrigation Authority remains fully committed to fulfilling its mandate of providing efficient, responsive and high-quality services to all its stakeholders through sustained capacity building and strict adherence to the Customer Service Delivery Charter and other Corporate Communication tools.

24/03/2026

The Mweru Umoja Irrigation Development Project is setting a new standard for excellence in Igoji East Ward, South Imenti. Spanning 500 acres, this project draws its lifeblood from the Mutonga River, liberating 1,000 farmers from the unpredictability of rain-fed farming.

The project’s impact ripples far beyond the fields, supporting over 2,500 beneficiaries.
Farmers have diversified their crops to include: dragon fruit, passion fruits, tomatoes,
cassava, sweet potatoes and Khat (Muguka) among others.

Strategic farmer selection ensures that high-value enterprises like bananas, French beans and
kales thrive. These crops generate an impressive average gross margin of KES 255,000 per
acre annually, proving modern irrigation is a high-return investment.

By turning the Mutonga River into a source of sustainable wealth, the National Irrigation
Authority is demonstrating how the BETA agenda can rapidly uplift households and secure a
prosperous future for the nation.

23/03/2026

Today, in continuation with the 2026 World Water Day celebrations, the National Irrigation Authority through its Mt.Kenya West Region joined Nyeri County Government at Ihururu Primary School Stadium in Kieni Constituency for a tree growing event.

The event was organized by the County Department of Water, Environment and Climate Change in collaboration with Water Service Providers (WASPA) in the region.

The Authority took part in the planned activities which included a joint procession to the venue, tree growing of 23,000 assorted tree seedlings and 300 fruit tree seedlings at Nyeri Hill.

The activity aims at increasing forest cover, enhancing environmental sustainability and safeguarding water resources for present and future generations, while also contributing to enhancement of food security as espoused in the Government’s tree growing strategy, the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA) and the Authority's CSR Strategy.

22/03/2026

Today, the National Irrigation Authority joined the world in celebrating the 2026 World Water Day celebrations at Mwerongundu Primary School, Igembe North, in Meru County. The theme for this year was Water and Gender.

The event was officiated by the Cabinet Secretary for Water, Sanitation and Irrigation , Eng. Eric Mugaa. Also in attendance was the Principal Secretary state department for Water and Sanitation, Mr.Julius Korir,CBS ,Principal Secretary State Department for Irrigation, CPA Ephantus Kimotho, NIA Board Chairman Eng. Gilbert Maluki, NIA CEO Eng. Charles Muasya, MBS and other National/County Government officials.

At the event, the Authority showcased a 1/8 acre model farm, cropped with 2,000 kales (Brassica oleracea var. sabellica) Collard Sweet Georgia variety under a drip irrigation system. This demonstrated efficient water use and climate-smart agriculture technology. The crop has a maturity period of 1 month, with a projected yield of 12 tons per acre, a production cost of Ksh. 100,000 per acre and an estimated revenue of Ksh. 250,000 per acre.

In addition,the Authority planted 1,000 assorted indigenous and fruit tree seedlings at Linjoka Primary School in Igembe North Constituency on March 19, 2026. This is meant to promote environmental pillar under NIA Corporate Social Responsibility Policy and Strategy.

The Authority remains committed to enhancing the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda and strengthening food security.

21/03/2026

The National Irrigation Authority (NIA) staff led by Director Irrigation Management Services, Eng. Jairus Serede who was representing the CEO joined the Principal Secretary, State Department for Irrigation, CPA Ephantus Kimotho, CBS, for a tree planting exercise in Oloolua Forest, Ngong Kajiado County as part of the Government's ambitious plan of growing 15 Billion Tree by 2032.

The exercise marks a key step in the phased restoration of Ngong Forest beginning with the Oloolua Forest Block widely known as the “Green Lungs of Nairobi” which has faced significant degradation due to human activities.

This initiative reflects the Whole-of-Government and Whole-of-Society approach aimed at increasing Kenya’s tree cover to over 30%, restoring 10.6 million hectares of degraded landscapes, and strengthening climate resilience across the country.

In addition, the Authority donated 2,000 avocado seedlings which were flagged off during the event for distribution to schools, supporting environmental conservation efforts while promoting nutrition and sustainable livelihoods among young learners and surrounding communities.

Beyond environmental restoration, the initiative also seeks to promote sustainable livelihoods for forest adjacent communities while safeguarding biodiversity for future generations.

This effort aligns with Kenya’s Vision 2030 development agenda and the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), reinforcing the government’s commitment to environmental sustainability, climate action, and inclusive economic growth.

20/03/2026

14/03/2026

Today the Authourity's CEO Eng. Charles Muasya, MBS, inspected several key irrigation projects across the North Rift region to ensure they remain on track to deliver on the BETA mandate. Working alongside local leaders including Hon. Prof. Phylis Bartoo (Moiben) and Hon. Adams Kipsanai (Keiyo North), the CEO reviewed progress at the Chepchobit, Chepkosom, and Sing’ore Kapkonga irrigation projects. The inspection concluded in Keiyo South at the Tirwane-Tinone Irrigation Development Project, where the team was joined by National Treasury PS, Dr. Chris Kiptoo.

The Tirwane-Tirone project, currently at 17% completion, includes four key blocks: Tirwane, Tumaina, Ainabei, and Simotwo. Designed to navigate the local terrain through dam rehabilitation, intake weirs and solar-powered pumping systems, the project will eventually utilize nearly 100 kilometers of distribution lines to irrigate 1,060 acres.

This project is expected to benefit 4,240 households and create employment for over 21,000 residents, generating an annual gross income of KES 265 million. With a rapid two-year payback period, it stands as a strategic investment for the production of high-value crops including horticulture, pyrethrum, coffee, and tea.

In Keiyo North, the inspection team visited Sing’ore–Kapkonga Dam Irrigation Project. The project is at 5% overall progress, with the conveyance pipeline notably reaching the 20%.

This project includes a 225m³ distribution tank and solar pumping systems. It aims to support 1,000 farmers across 500 acres, focusing on high-value products like French beans and passion fruit. The project is expected to offer average gross margins of KES 200,000 per acre and a remarkably brief one-year payback period. To ensure sustainability and mitigate wayleave challenges, the government has proactively initiated community sensitization and farmer training programs.

The regional irrigation transformation efforts extended to Uasin Gishu County, where the team assessed the rehabilitation of the Chepchobit Earth Dam in Moiben. Now nearing completion at 82% progress, the project has finalized major milestones including desilting, embankment and the installation of gravity main pipelines. Once finished, it will irrigate 280 acres for 500 farmers, utilizing a 100m³ elevated steel tank to support a diverse agricultural base of avocados, macadamia and tree tomatoes, while also providing essential domestic water.

Additionally, the team assessed the Chepkosom Earth Dam Project, currently at 50% implementation. Its technical scope includes 42,000m³ of dam desilting, a 3.3km gravity main pipeline, and the construction of a spillway and stilling basin. Targeting 25 acres of high-value horticultural crops and fruit trees, the project is set to benefit 75 households directly, generating an expected gross income of KES 20 million with a three-year payback period

PS Kiptoo underscored that these projects are critical in addressing food security serving to cushion farmers against climate change and supply raw materials for manufacturing.

By prioritizing capacity building and overcoming implementation hurdles, the government aims to ensure investment in these projects yield high socio-economic returns, ultimately reducing poverty and fostering climate resilience across Elgeyo Marakwet and Uasin Gishu counties as well as other parts of the country.

13/03/2026

Today, the Principal Secretary for the National Treasury, Dr. Chris Kiptoo, inspected a series of high-impact drought mitigation and irrigation projects in Uasin Gishu County, including the Kimuri, Kerita, Sugutek and Ziwa 2 Earth Dams. He was accompanied by the Authority's CEO Eng. Charles Muasya, MBS, local leaders and other senior government officials.

Strategically located across Kapseret, Kesses, Moiben and Soy Constituencies, these projects represent a robust investment designed to anchor the Government’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA). By providing sustainable irrigation water, the dams are facilitating a shift towards high-value agricultural production and long-term climate resilience.

The Kimuri Earth Dam in Kapseret is currently 98% complete and operational, successfully reclaiming 400 acres for irrigation. Utilizing solar-powered pumping and two 108-cubic-meter steel tanks, the project supports 800 farming households.

In Kesses Constituency, the Kerita Earth Dam is 100% complete and ready for official handing over. Targeting 1,000 acres of land, it benefits 500 direct farmers and provides the infrastructure necessary for 2,500 indirect beneficiaries.

Sugutek Earth Dam in Moiben is currently 71% complete and will irrigate 80 acres for 160 farmers upon completion. Meanwhile, the Ziwa 2 project in Soy is progressing steadily at 62%. Targeting 500 acres and benefiting 1,000 farmers, Ziwa 2 features storage tanks and conveyance pipelines; it will soon deploy a 60-kilometer distribution network to support both cereals and horticultural crops like passion fruits and onions.

Across all four sites, the economic impact is profound. Financial analyses confirm that these projects are highly viable, with payback periods of just two to three years. Farmers are expected to cultivate horticulture crops such as French beans, snow peas and chillies among others.

PS Kiptoo expressed high satisfaction with the progress and good job being done by , noting that these investments demonstrate value for money and serve as high-impact interventions for local communities. He commended the National Irrigation Authority, for the outstanding work in ensuring these projects are both financially and socially viable.

The PS emphasized the Government's unwavering commitment to unlocking the full potential of these projects noting that such initiatives are the cornerstone of BETA and are poised to play a crucial role in enhancing national food security and wealth creation.

06/03/2026

Today The National Irrigation Authority (NIA) Lower Eastern Region team, in collaboration with the Kenya National Highways Authority (KENHA) Lower Eastern Branch, participated in the last day of a week-long tree growing exercise in Mwala Sub-county, Machakos County, with tree planting activities carried out at Maweli Earth Dam and Makali Earth Dam.

At Maweli Earth Dam, the community received 675 tree seedlings, comprising 64 Thika palm trees, 50 avocado trees, 155 jacaranda trees and 406 acacia trees. The activity was conducted together with the Senior Assistant Chief of Ngoluni Village and members of the local community.

Similarly, the Makali Earth Dam community received the same distribution of 675 seedlings, bringing the total number of seedlings planted across both sites to 1,350 as part of ongoing efforts to enhance environmental sustainability and protect water resources around the earth dams.

During the exercise, the teams also held a brief interactive sensitization session with community members on the benefits of tree growing and best practices for nurturing the seedlings to maturity, in support of the national tree growing initiative geared towards planting 15Billion trees by 2032 to raise Kenya's national tree cover to 30%.