MWEA, Kenya – Farmers at the Mwea Irrigation Scheme in Kirinyaga County are grappling with an acute water shortage, sparking fears of massive losses ahead of the December rice harvest.
The shortage has triggered disputes among farmers, with some spending nights on their farms to guard and divert water to their fields after planting last month. Rice typically takes three months to mature.
“Last night I solved a case as two rival groups clashed over water. Some farmers are blocking channels to divert water to their farms. We are praying for rain to ease the situation,” said Charles Kibicho, unit leader of Cumbiri Unit 3.
Others warned that prolonged drought could wipe out entire crops. “I applied two bags of fertilizer last week, but there is no water. My rice may dry up. You can see cracks in the soil—it is very dry,” farmer James Mwangi lamented.
To address the crisis, the National Irrigation Authority has introduced a rationing formula to share the limited supply among all seven units of the scheme—Wamumu, Karaba, Thiba, Tebere, Mwea, Ndekia, and Cumbiri.
“We will share the little water available across all units. We are urging farmers to allow water to flow so everyone gets a share,” said Peter Chege, chair of the Water Users Association.
However, many farmers are questioning why shortages persist despite the completion of the Sh8.2 billion Thiba Dam in Gichugu, commissioned in October 2022 and touted as a lasting solution to Mwea’s perennial water woes.
“We rely on the Thiba and Nyamindi rivers, but we were promised that the Thiba Dam would solve our water problems. Why are we still suffering?” asked Joseph Karimi from Karaba.
Another farmer, Joseph Wainaina, echoed the frustration: “We are facing shortages after planting yet the Thiba Dam is here. The government and the National Irrigation Authority must explain why the promise of ending water shortages has not been fulfilled.”
The Mwea Irrigation Scheme is Kenya’s largest rice-growing hub, supporting thousands of households and contributing significantly to national rice production.
