Kenya Commences KSh 79 Million Revamp of Ndigiria Water Pan in Kilifi

Kenya's Cabinet Secretary for Agriculture and Livestock Development, Mutahi Kagwe, officially launched the KSh 79 million rehabilitation of the Ndigiria Water Pan located in Bamba, Kilifi County. The project aims to enhance irrigation infrastructure to support smallholder farmers and reduce reliance on erratic rainfall.

Strategic Importance of the Project

Constructed in 1963, the Ndigiria Water Pan will undergo significant upgrades including desilting, embankment stabilization, installation of fencing, intake structures, pumping units, distribution pipelines, balancing tanks, solar power systems, and irrigation equipment. The rehabilitation is part of the National Agricultural Value Chain Development Project (NAVCDP).

Once completed, the water pan will underpin a 50-acre irrigation scheme expected to directly benefit over 100 farmers and indirectly support more than 4,000 individuals. Additionally, it will provide water for about 15,398 livestock, with specific watering points designated separately from irrigation zones.

Broader Water Management Strategy

CS Kagwe emphasized the need for Kenya to shift from rainfall-dependent agriculture to sustainable water resource management. The government’s approach includes capturing seasonal river runoff, developing dams and water pans, and drilling deep boreholes. This aligns with larger initiatives like the Galana-Kulalu irrigation project and national irrigation schemes.

Community Impact and Support

• The contractor is tasked with phasing the works to maintain water access during construction and prioritizing local employment.
• Farmers participating in the scheme will receive seeds, extension services, and technical support, with encouragement to diversify crops for improved income.
• KSh 30.5 million was disbursed to eight local SACCOs to enhance farmers’ access to credit, strengthening cooperative capacity for better market access and returns.

Kilifi Deputy Governor Flora Mbetsa Chibule urged the community to safeguard the rehabilitated infrastructure to ensure its long-term benefits.