Ruiru Prison Farm Launches KSh 73 Million Irrigation Project to Boost Agriculture and Inmate Skills

The Ruiru Prison Farm in Kiambu County is undergoing a KSh 73 million irrigation project aimed at expanding agricultural production and enhancing rehabilitation through practical skills training for inmates.

Principal Secretary for Irrigation, Ephantus Kimotho, inspected the ongoing project on August 21, 2026. The initiative is a collaboration between the State Department for Irrigation and the Kenya Prisons Service to promote climate-resilient farming and year-round crop production.

Project Scope and Agricultural Focus

• 100 acres will be dedicated to coffee cultivation across multiple blocks within the prison farm.
• A tree nursery capable of producing approximately 18 million seedlings annually will support the government’s 15 Billion Tree Growing Programme.
• Over 20 acres will be allocated for horticultural crops, supplying fresh produce to Nairobi’s prisons.

The coffee enterprise alone is expected to generate over KSh 20 million, adding a sustainable revenue stream to the prison farm.

Irrigation Infrastructure

The project includes intake desilting, drilling of two boreholes, installation of hybrid water pumping units, water storage facilities, and a comprehensive in-field irrigation network with sprinklers. Most of these components are complete, with the irrigation network nearing completion.

Benefits for Inmates and the Community

• More than 300 inmates will receive hands-on training in agribusiness and climate-smart farming techniques.
• The project aims to equip inmates with skills for sustainable livelihoods post-release.
• It is projected to benefit over 10,000 individuals directly and indirectly.

This initiative also serves as a model for future partnerships between government agencies to promote food security, environmental restoration, and economic empowerment.