Lang’ata Cemetery Lifestyle

Latest Lang’ata Cemetery Grave Charges

  • October 9, 2024
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Lang’ata Cemetery, located 7 km west of Nairobi’s Central Business District on Lang’ata Road, is one of Kenya’s largest and most well-known public cemeteries, managed by the Nairobi County Government. Spanning 120 acres, this cemetery serves as a final resting place for thousands and continues to play a crucial role for Nairobi residents, especially those […]

Sigalagala National Polytechnic Career & Employment

Full List of Courses Offered at Sigalagala National Polytechnic and Requirements

  • October 9, 2024
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Sigalagala National Polytechnic, established in 1950 and located along the Kisumu-Kakamega Road in Kakamega County, has become a premier choice for Kenyan youths pursuing technical skills for the modern job market. The polytechnic offers a wide variety of courses, spanning fields like agriculture, applied sciences, business, information technology, engineering, fashion, and beauty therapy. Below is […]

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

  • October 9, 2024
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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, […]

National Irrigation Authority Legal & Regulatory

Full List of Functions Of The National Irrigation Authority

  • October 9, 2024
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The National Irrigation Authority (NIA) is a key state corporation in Kenya that plays a significant role in supporting the country’s agricultural sector. It was established on August 16, 2019, under the Irrigation Act No. 14 of 2019, replacing the former National Irrigation Board (NIB). The Authority operates under the Ministry of Water, Sanitation, and […]

Water Sector Trust Fund Legal & Regulatory

Full List of Functions Of The Water Sector Trust Fund

  • October 9, 2024
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The Water Sector Trust Fund (Water Fund) is a critical state corporation in Kenya under the Ministry of Water, Sanitation, and Irrigation. Established under the Water Act of 2016, it succeeded the Water Services Trust Fund and has a crucial role in ensuring that underserved and marginalized communities in rural and urban areas have access […]

Nairobi Sports House Ltd Lifestyle

Full List of Best Hiking Gear Shops in Nairobi

  • October 9, 2024
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In recent years, hiking has gained immense popularity in Kenya, especially in Nairobi, as more people embrace outdoor adventures. Kenya’s natural beauty, from its towering mountains to expansive savannas, provides the perfect backdrop for hikers of all skill levels. However, to ensure a safe and comfortable hiking experience, it’s crucial to have the right gear. […]

Nairobi Arboretum Lifestyle

Full List of Best Hiking Places in Nairobi

  • October 9, 2024
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Nairobi, often referred to as the world’s wildlife capital, offers a unique blend of urban life and natural beauty. Nestled within Kenya’s capital are numerous hiking spots, providing residents and visitors with the perfect escape from the city hustle. From lush forests to picturesque hills, Nairobi’s hiking destinations are ideal for nature lovers, fitness enthusiasts, […]

Kei apple Lifestyle

Full List of Kei Apple Fruit Health Benefits

  • October 9, 2024
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Kei apple, scientifically known as Dovyalis caffra, is a thorny, sub-tropical fruit tree widely known for its dual role in Kenya as both a natural fence and a source of nutrition. Locally referred to as “kayaba,” this resilient tree is often planted around homesteads, farms, and properties due to its dense thorny branches, which act […]

dragonfruit farm Lifestyle

Full List of Dragon Fruit Health Benefits

  • October 9, 2024
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Dragon fruits, also known as pitahaya or pitaya, are tropical fruits that have gained popularity, especially among health-conscious individuals. These vibrant, uniquely shaped fruits are not only visually appealing but also packed with essential nutrients. In Kenya, dragon fruits are becoming increasingly available, although they tend to be more expensive in local markets compared to […]