His Excellency the Deputy President Hon. Rigathi Gachagua earlier on Wednesday officially launched the construction of Matasia (silanga) irrigation project in Kajiado North Constituency, Kajiado County.

 The project will benefit 120 households’ direct beneficiaries and 600 people’s indirect beneficiaries.

Matasia (silanga) Irrigation Project located in Kajiado North Constituency will involve reservoir excavation, installation of pressure tank and solar pumping systems, spillway construction, protection works, fencing and reticulation works.

After completion, maize, beans, horticultural crops and vegetables will be grown by farmers hence contributing to household food security and increase export in line with Agricultural Transformation of the BETA plan.

President Ruto has made a commitment to put into place measures that will see the country’s food imports halved from the current 500 Billion shillings to 250 Billion. Such measures include the launch of irrigation projects such as the Matasia Irrigation Project whose main aim is to grow the country’s stable foods.

The government’s intention is to shift from rain-fed agriculture to irrigation as a bold and deliberate plan to enhance food production and which will also ensure the expansion of economic opportunities

The Deputy President commended the good work being done by the State Department for Irrigation led by Principal Secretary Ephantus Kimotho CBS.

 The government is keen on increasing land under irrigation as Irrigation is game changer in addressing issues of food security, job creation, balance of trade deficit and stabilizing foreign exchange in line with Bottom Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA)