Mwea rice farmers decry acute water shortage

The farmers, drawn from different sections of the scheme, said reduced water levels at Thiba Dam and the ongoing dry spell have disrupted rice production, particularly in Mwea East and parts of Mwea West sub-counties.

Lucy Waithera, a farmer from the Thiba section, called on elected water users’ representatives to advocate for farmers’ rights and ensure proper maintenance of on-farm roads.

“We spend a lot of time and money transporting rice to the main roads because the roads within the farms are in poor condition. We want leaders who will fight for reliable water supply and better infrastructure,” she said.

Elizabeth Kanabiu faulted leaders for speaking about rice shortages and imports in Nairobi without engaging farmers on the ground. She also questioned the management of water fees, which farmers pay through the eCitizen platform.

“We pay for water through eCitizen, but we do not see improvements in our roads or irrigation systems. Leaders should visit us and understand the reality on the ground,” she said.

Peter Mwangi urged leaders to visit Thiba Dam to understand the extent of the water shortage. “The dam’s water levels have gone down significantly, and rationing is affecting our farms,” he said.

Farmers in Mwea East are now proposing the construction of a new dam to address persistent water shortages. Joseph Nyaga noted that while Thiba Dam mainly serves Mwea West, Mwea East lacks a similar facility.

“That is why areas relying on River Nyamindi continue to face shortages despite the presence of water in other sections,” he said.

Mwea MP Mary Maingi said the government plans to construct the proposed Nyamindi Dam to support farmers in both Mwea East and Mwea West and ensure consistent water supply during dry seasons.

Meanwhile, the National Irrigation Authority (NIA) has begun rationing water as demand outstrips supply. Farmers have urged authorities to prioritize infrastructure maintenance to ease transportation of produce.

The concerns emerged as more than 16,000 rice farmers took part in elections for water users’ representatives within the irrigation scheme, with executive officials set to be elected on Monday.