Water Cabinet Secretary Eric Mugaa has presided over a public participation forum for the proposed Ushirika-Umoja Irrigation Project in Kilili, Igembe South Constituency, Meru County, as the government seeks to expand irrigation and boost agricultural productivity.

Mugaa, accompanied by Igembe South MP John Paul Mwirigi, nominated MP Dorothy Muthoni and other leaders, said the project would support more than 400 farmers through improved access to water for agriculture.

In a statement shared on his X account on Monday, July 20, 2026, Mugaa said the project would involve the construction of intake works, a sedimentation basin, conveyance pipelines, two sub-mains and laterals, as well as the drilling and equipping of Kindani and Kilili boreholes.

“The project will involve the construction of intake works, a sedimentation basin, conveyance pipelines, two sub-mains, laterals, as well as the drilling and equipping of Kindani and Kilili boreholes,”he said.

Project targets agricultural production

The project is expected to support the cultivation of bananas, watermelons, onions, tomatoes, kales, cabbages and miraa, creating opportunities for farmers to increase their incomes.

Mugaa said the project would generate sustainable livelihoods while strengthening food security in the region through improved irrigation.

Government prioritises water security

The initiative comes as the government continues to expand irrigation infrastructure as part of efforts to strengthen food security and address the effects of climate change.

Mugaa has previously said reliable water access is central to agricultural production and national development.

“It is a way to feed the nation, because without water, there can’t be irrigation, especially for Kenya, without water storage. Food security is key to this administration’s agenda,” he said.

The CS has also called for water security to be measured beyond the number of connections, arguing that the stability and reliability of water access must also be considered.

“Does this tell the true story? That young woman in Turkana, Kondele in Kisumu or in Kajiado, might tell a very different story,” Mugaa said.

The Ushirika-Umoja project is expected to improve agricultural production in Igembe South while creating employment and supporting the government’s wider efforts to expand irrigated land and strengthen food security.