Ruto commissions Ziwa 2 irrigation project in Uasin Gishu

President William Ruto during the commissioning of the Ziwa 2 Earth Dam Irrigation Project in Soy Constituency, Uasin Gishu County/PCS

President William Ruto has commissioned the Ziwa 2 Earth Dam Irrigation Project in Soy Constituency, Uasin Gishu County, which will put 500 acres under irrigation and benefit 1,000 farmers.

The project, located in Sirikwa Location, is intended to support the transition of farmers from rain-fed agriculture to irrigated farming and improve agricultural production, according to the State Department for Irrigation.

Works on the project began in June 2025 and are substantially complete. The remaining connection of farmers and fencing of the dam are expected to be completed by the end of November 2026.

The rehabilitation involved desilting the dam and reconstructing its embankment, increasing its water storage capacity to one million cubic metres.

Two solar-powered pumping systems, each with a capacity of 50 cubic metres per hour at a 60-metre head, have also been installed.

Farmers will grow cereals including maize and beans as well as horticultural crops such as spinach, passion fruit, kale, tomatoes, onions and coffee.

The project is designed to support two cropping seasons annually, with each household projected to earn an average of Sh200,000 per acre annually.

The project is expected to directly benefit 1,000 people and indirectly support another 5,000 through employment and related economic activities.

The State Department for Irrigation said increased agricultural production and value addition would also support local economic growth.

The National Irrigation Authority will support farmers through the formation, registration and strengthening of an Irrigation Water Users Association. It will also provide training in farming as a business and facilitate links to markets.

A second phase is planned to bring an additional 2,000 acres under irrigation and serve a further 4,000 households.

Principal Secretary for Irrigation Ephantus Kimotho and National Irrigation Authority Chief Executive Officer Charles Muasya hosted Ruto during the commissioning.

Senior officials from the national and county governments were also present.

The Ziwa 2 Earth Dam Irrigation Project in Soy Constituency, Uasin Gishu County/PCS

Principal Secretary for Irrigation Ephantus Kimotho and President William Ruto/PCS