Water and irrigation projects took center stage during a Nyambene Synod joint service at Kiengu Methodist Church in Igembe Central on Sunday, with Water, Irrigation, and Sanitation Cabinet Secretary Erick Murithi Mugaa outlining plans to increase water supply in Kiengu and surrounding areas.
Speaking during the service presided over by Presiding Bishop John Maromba, CS Mugaa said the government had started planning for additional water sources to address persistent shortages in Kiengu Sub County.
The CS said Murimi Springs, which currently serves residents, does not have sufficient and reliable water to meet the needs of the growing population, adding the government was considering drilling three boreholes to supplement the springs, with the water being supplied to the existing system.
“We will need about three boreholes so that we inject water into the springs,” Mugaa said, adding that the project would soon be subjected to public participation.
He identified Amaku, Njoune, and Mutuatine as areas that would benefit from additional water infrastructure, including storage tanks, in an effort to increase water availability.
The CS said the government had also set aside Sh20 million for water distribution in Maili Tatu, while repair works at Ura Dam 4 had commenced. He added that sewerage and irrigation projects were also ongoing in the region.
The CS further said the government planned to invest in the Murimi Irrigation Scheme in Kiengu, arguing that enhancing irrigation would help residents move towards year-round farming.
“We will bring development to the villages,” Mugaa said, linking the ongoing projects to the good working relationship between President William Ruto’s administration and Meru leaders.
On irrigation, Igembe Central MP Dan Kiili Karitho, also present, said the Kawiru Water Project would be expanded after the Murimi project is completed.
The legislator said efforts would be made to support miraa farmers by reducing the cost of pumping water for farming.
The leaders further called for greater political unity among the Meru community, with CS Mugaa urging Meru leaders and residents to reassess their political direction, saying the community should consider supporting development-conscious leaders.
He called on Meru residents to judge leaders based on their development record while urging the church to work with leaders in addressing community priorities.
Rev Carol Karea Kaberia said Meru was among the leading counties nationally in the utilization of development funds.
Meanwhile, former Meru Woman Representative Florence Kajuju defended her record on miraa, saying she had been instrumental in introducing the crop farmers’ interests into the political agenda.
Kajuju expressed concern over declining miraa prices and the loss of affirmative action funds, urging residents to give her another opportunity to address what she termed existing challenges.
The leaders said public participation on the proposed water projects in Kiengu would be undertaken in the coming weeks as the government moves to finalize plans on how to improve water supply in the area.
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