waceke

About Author

Waceke holds a Bachelors degree in communication from the Multimedia University of Kenya. She is an experienced writer, having previously worked at Kenyans.co.ke.

4057

Articles Published

Pharmacy & Poisons Board

Career & Employment Technology & Gadgets

Pharmacy & Poisons Board Portal (PPB Portal): How to Register...

The Pharmacy and Poisons Board (PPB) portal is an essential platform for pharmaceutical professionals in Kenya, ensuring qualified practitioners adhere...

BY waceke
October 9, 2024
0 Comments

Spring Onion

Small Business

Spring Onion Farming in Kenya: A Quick-Growing Cash Crop with...

Spring onions are among the most popular and profitable onion varieties in Kenya, thanks to their quick growth cycle, low...

BY waceke
October 9, 2024
0 Comments

Onion Farm

Small Business

Onion Farming in Kenya: A Lucrative Venture for Small and...

Onion farming has become one of the most profitable agricultural ventures in Kenya, driven by the high demand for onions...

BY waceke
October 9, 2024
0 Comments

Lang’ata Cemetery

Lifestyle

Latest Lang’ata Cemetery Grave Charges

Lang’ata Cemetery, located 7 km west of Nairobi’s Central Business District on Lang’ata Road, is one of Kenya’s largest and...

BY waceke
October 9, 2024
0 Comments

Sigalagala National Polytechnic

Career & Employment

Full List of Courses Offered at Sigalagala National Polytechnic and...

Sigalagala National Polytechnic, established in 1950 and located along the Kisumu-Kakamega Road in Kakamega County, has become a premier choice...

BY waceke
October 9, 2024
0 Comments

Irrigation has become a lifeline for food security in Kenya, especially with increasingly erratic rainfall patterns impacting agriculture. The Kenyan government, through the National Irrigation Authority (NIA), has invested significantly in developing irrigation schemes to improve agricultural output, promote food security, and alleviate poverty. This article provides a comprehensive list of Kenya's national irrigation schemes, detailing their sizes, locations, and the crops they support. National Irrigation Schemes in Kenya 1. Mwea Irrigation Scheme Mwea is Kenya's largest rice irrigation scheme, covering approximately 30,050 acres in Kirinyaga County. Established in 1954, the scheme engages around 7,022 farmers, who predominantly grow rice. Water for the scheme comes from the Nyamindi and Thiba rivers, conveyed through open channels and earthen canals and distributed via flood irrigation. Mwea has been pivotal in ensuring rice supply in Kenya, producing about 80% of the country's rice. 2. Bura Irrigation Scheme Located in Tana River County, Bura spans 12,000 acres and supports approximately 2,245 farmers. Established in 1978, the scheme's primary crop is maize. Water is pumped from the Tana River, utilizing diesel generators and pumps—a costly but necessary method given the area’s arid climate. 3. Tana Irrigation Scheme The oldest scheme in Kenya, Tana Irrigation Scheme was established in 1953 in Tana River County and covers 12,000 acres. The scheme, involving 1,050 farmers, focuses on maize and cotton production, though farmers also cultivate various horticultural crops. Water from the Tana River is distributed through open earth canals and applied via furrow irrigation, making it a versatile scheme that caters to a variety of crops. 4. Perkerra Irrigation Scheme Started in 1954, Perkerra is located near Marigat Town in Baringo County. The scheme spans 5,800 acres and involves 1,625 farmers. While maize is the main crop, farmers also grow watermelons, onions, and vegetables on a smaller scale. The Perkerra River supplies water, distributed by gravity through open earth channels. 5. Ahero Irrigation Scheme Ahero is situated in the Kano Plains, Kisumu County, between the Nandi Escarpment and Nyabondo Plateau. Covering 4,176 acres, the scheme was established in 1966 and supports 2,000 farmers. The main crop is rice, but farmers also grow soybeans, maize, watermelon, tomatoes, sorghum, and cowpeas. Water sourced from the Nyando River is applied through basin irrigation. 6. Bunyala Irrigation Scheme Located in Busia County, Bunyala covers 1,880 acres and was launched in 1959. It primarily supports rice cultivation, with about 1,394 farmers involved. Water from the Nzoia River is pumped and distributed via gravity flow through open earth channels, making it effective for rice cultivation using basin irrigation. 7. West Kano Irrigation Scheme Also located in the Kano Plains in Kisumu County, this scheme lies between the Nandi Escarpment and Nyabondo Plateau near Lake Victoria. Established in 1974, West Kano spans 4,450 acres and serves 836 farmers. Rice is the predominant crop, with water pumped from Lake Victoria. Irrigation Development Challenges in Kenya Despite these established irrigation schemes, Kenya has only tapped into about 13.5% of its irrigation potential, estimated at 1.342 million hectares. The current irrigated area of approximately 180,503 hectares is limited by several challenges, including: Inadequate Investment: Funding for irrigation projects has historically been low, constraining expansion and modernization efforts. Poor Management Systems: Operational inefficiencies hinder the productivity of irrigation schemes, often leading to water wastage or shortages during critical planting seasons. Lack of Policy Support: An overarching, cohesive irrigation policy is lacking, affecting how schemes are managed and expanded to meet the country’s food production goals. Insufficient Support Services: A shortage of irrigation extension services and marketing infrastructure limits farmers' access to technical knowledge and market linkages, reducing the profitability of irrigated crops. The Future of Irrigation in Kenya To fully realize Kenya’s irrigation potential, the government, along with the National Irrigation Authority (NIA), has committed to expanding existing schemes and developing new ones. There is a growing focus on adopting sustainable and cost-effective technologies, like solar-powered irrigation pumps, and improving water storage infrastructure to reduce dependence on seasonal river flows. Contact the National Irrigation Authority (NIA) For further information, assistance, or inquiries regarding Kenya's irrigation schemes, the NIA is reachable as follows: Head Office: Irrigation House, Lenana Road, Nairobi Contact: +254 711 061 000 Email: ceo@irrigation.go.ke Conclusion The strategic development and expansion of Kenya's irrigation schemes are essential for bolstering agricultural productivity and food security. With more investment and improved management, irrigation holds immense potential to transform Kenya’s agricultural landscape and empower rural farming communities.

Economy

Full List of Irrigation Schemes in Kenya

Irrigation has become a lifeline for food security in Kenya, especially with increasingly erratic rainfall patterns impacting agriculture. The Kenyan...

BY waceke
October 9, 2024
0 Comments

National Irrigation Authority

Legal & Regulatory

Full List of Functions Of The National Irrigation Authority

The National Irrigation Authority (NIA) is a key state corporation in Kenya that plays a significant role in supporting the...

BY waceke
October 9, 2024
0 Comments

Water Sector Trust Fund

Legal & Regulatory

Full List of Functions Of The Water Sector Trust Fund

The Water Sector Trust Fund (Water Fund) is a critical state corporation in Kenya under the Ministry of Water, Sanitation,...

BY waceke
October 9, 2024
0 Comments

Nairobi Sports House Ltd

Lifestyle

Full List of Best Hiking Gear Shops in Nairobi

In recent years, hiking has gained immense popularity in Kenya, especially in Nairobi, as more people embrace outdoor adventures. Kenya’s...

BY waceke
October 9, 2024
0 Comments

Nairobi Arboretum

Lifestyle

Full List of Best Hiking Places in Nairobi

Nairobi, often referred to as the world’s wildlife capital, offers a unique blend of urban life and natural beauty. Nestled...

BY waceke
October 9, 2024
0 Comments

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