Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga yesterday commissioned Kiria Earth Dam in Gatarakwa ward, Kieni West constituency in Nyeri County.
The Kiria Earth Dam has been rehabilitated and fitted with solar systems which will enhance the distribution of water for irrigation and domestic purposes and is set to benefit about 2,515 farmers.
The rehabilitation of the dam has been done through the Kenya Climate Smart Agricultural Project (KCSAP) which is funded by the World Bank.
Speaking at the dam, Kahiga said that the project aims at increasing agricultural productivity and building resilience to climate change risks in the targeted smallholders farming and pastoral communities in Kenya.
Kahiga noted that the County Government of Nyeri is committed to promoting agricultural activities for Kieni farmers.
He also emphasised that the dam will not only be a source of irrigation water which will subsequently lead to farmers earning an income but it has also been restocked with fish fingerlings hence will be a source of nutritious food.
During the event 31 farmer groups also received cheques worth over Kshs26 million. The groups are in the value chains of: Dairy cows, indigenous chicken, Irish potatoes, beans and natural resource management. Through this, the youth and vulnerable marginalized groups have benefited greatly.
The project is implemented in 24 counties and Nyeri County is among the implementing counties.
Area MCA Hon. Clement Warutere who was also present lauded the governor for his continuous support and the several projects implemented in the ward which have notably transformed the ward.
By Beth Ndirangu
