The Mwea Irrigation Scheme in Kirinyaga County has solidified its status as one of Kenya’s most productive agricultural investments, significantly raising rice production and improving household incomes. Stretching over 31,271 acres and supporting more than 15,900 farmers, the scheme now produces over 160,000 metric tonnes of rice annually, up from 98,400 tonnes previously. During a recent tour, Cabinet Secretary for Water, Sanitation and Irrigation, Eric Mugaa, lauded the expansion and rehabilitation of irrigation canals, drainage systems, and on-farm roads, underscoring Mwea’s critical role in national food security and local economic growth.
Since its establishment in 1954, Mwea has been the backbone of Kenya’s rice value chain, drawing water from the Nyamindi and Thiba Rivers. Key investments, including the 15.6 million cubic metre Thiba Dam, have stabilized water supply year-round, enabling three cropping cycles and expanding the irrigated area from 25,461 to 31,271 acres. Government subsidies on fertilizers and inputs have also reduced production costs, directly benefiting farmers who collectively earn approximately Sh12.7 billion annually from rice cultivation. Beyond agriculture, the scheme supports over 100 rice millers and generates employment in milling, transportation, and trade, stimulating wider economic activity across Kirinyaga County.
Local leaders praised the initiative’s impact and stressed the importance of sustaining infrastructure upgrades. Kirinyaga Deputy Governor David Githanda urged strict adherence to project timelines and quality standards, while Mwea MP Mary Maingi reassured farmers that the rice mill remains their property, protecting them from unfair competition and price volatility. As the scheme continues to expand and modernize, it is expected to strengthen food security, enhance livelihoods, and serve as a national model for sustainable irrigation-driven development.