President Uhuru Kenyatta on Monday inspected the ongoing construction of the Sh8.5 billion Thiba Dam and the Sh2.6 billion Mwea Irrigation Scheme expansion project in Kirinyaga County.
While addressing residents who had gathered to receive him, Uhuru said the Thiba dam will transform rice farming in the region by enabling farmers to increase production as well as providing adequate clean water for domestic and agricultural use by residents of Kirinyaga and neighboring counties.
“When this dam is complete it will enable the residents to have enough water for irrigation not once a year but continuously thereby enabling rice farmers in Mwea to double their production,” he said.
He was accompanied by area leaders led by Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru, County MP Wangui Ngirici, and Water CS Sicily Kariuki among others.
President Uhuru also inspected the Mwea Irrigation Scheme expansion project that seeks to raise the area under rice cultivation from 10,000acres to 35,000acres by February next year.
“Let us walk and work together as Kenyans. What we are doing now is laying a strong foundation for a better tomorrow. Do not be deceived by anyone that they can single-headedly change the lives of Kenyans,” he said.
He also urged the residents to be peaceful during the upcoming elections and not be deceived by politicians.