Even though National Irrigation Authority (NIA) is investing in 267 water pan projects within Kikuyu sub-county to increase food productivity, poor infrastructure is now a major setback.
In an interview with KNA on Friday, residents from Nyakumu and Nachu regions said that it has been a challenge for farmers to reach the market to sell their produce due to the poor state of roads in the area.
A Nyakumu resident, Moses Kagema said that their bid to increase food production in line with the big 4 agenda and Vision 2030 might not be fruitful if the County Government does not open up roads in remote areas to enable them transport their goods.
“It has been difficult for farmers from this area to transport their produce to Wangige and Kangemi markets. We end up counting losses. Using human labour is inconveniencing,” Kagema said.
a Nachu resident and one of the beneficiaries of the water household projects Josphat Chege said that transport inconveniences compelled him to start selling his produce locally terming it more convenient in terms of time and costs.
“Customers come to buy my produce directly from my farm but if the roads were in good condition, I would get to the consumers directly which could probably boost my income from agri-business,” Chege said.
According to Chege, vegetables which he mostly deals in and other horticultural products were perishable and required an instant market.
During an inspection tour of water pan projects by Kiambu CDICC members, the Kiambu Deputy governor, Dr. James Nyoro promised that the county government would soon embark on rehabilitating the road that would open up the two locations.
“We are also planning to tarmac the Migumoini road which connects this area and Suswa where the standard gauge railway passes,” said Nyoro.
By Robert Muiruri/ Lydia Shiloya
