Kirinyaga County has received over Sh. 400 million from the national government towards the construction of canals in Mwea.
President William Ruto during the commissioning of Sh.7.8 billion Thiba Dam revealed that they are working closely with the county government to ensure the expanded scheme gets enough water.
He further said the county government will give additional cash.200 million towards the project which will also be used to remove silt from the canals.
The Head of State assured the farmers that their market will be expanded in such a way that they both benefit from their customers, especially the consumers.
At the same time, John Muya a rice Farmer, on behalf of the farmers, told the president that they are experiencing water shortages despite the completion of the dam.
Muya observed that the amount of money per acre charged to farmers for use of water is too high and with the drought, he suggested they be given a grace period of two years.
He further urged the state to purchase rice from Mwea Stores noting that the competition from cheap imported rice has been a challenge.
Thiba dam was launched in 2018 by retired president Uhuru Kenyatta and constructed in conjunction with the Japanese Government through the Japanese International Corporation Agency (JICA).