Residents of Magumoni in Tharaka Nithi decry expensive irrigation

Residents of Kamabindi in Magumoni Ward, Chuka/Igambang’ombe Constituency, Tharaka Nithi County, have appealed to leaders to facilitate access to affordable irrigation water, saying the high cost of the available supply has affected their farming activities.

The residents say water currently available for irrigation is too expensive for many households, despite repeated promises by leaders to extend connectivity to the community.

They argue that access to a reliable and affordable water supply would enable them to venture into agribusiness, increase agricultural production, improve household incomes and cushion families against the effects of prolonged dry spells.

The residents are now calling on elected leaders to prioritise irrigation water connectivity, saying they are ready to utilise the resource for crop production and other income-generating activities if it is made accessible at an affordable cost.

They have urged both the county and national governments to intervene by investing in irrigation infrastructure and ensuring the community is connected to a dependable water supply.

The residents maintain that addressing the water challenge would unlock the area's agricultural potential, create opportunities for small-scale farmers and strengthen household livelihoods through year-round farming.