Efforts to boost rice output hindered by delay in compensation

A prototype of the multibillion mega Thiba dam that will be constructed in Kirinyaga County to boost rice production and diversify farmers to horticulture farming. PHOTO | FILE | NATION MEDIA GROUP

What you need to know:

  • Governor Joseph Ndathi said the building of the Sh20 billion Thiba Water Dam Project cannot start because the National Irrigation Board has not yet compensated all farmers who will be affected.
  • Mr Ndathi told the judiciary to make sure the cases are determined on time so that the project can take off.

Court cases and slow compensation have been blamed for delaying the construction of a dam project to boost rice farming in Kirinyaga County.

Governor Joseph Ndathi said the building of the Sh20 billion Thiba Water Dam Project cannot start because the National Irrigation Board has not yet compensated all farmers in Rukenya and Mwea, who will have to part with their land.

Consequently, the farmers sued to block the execution of the project.

"Some farmers who surrendered their farms to pave way for the construction of the project have not been compensated.

"The NIB is yet to pay the remaining farmers Sh1.4 billion so that they can vacate their farms.

"Again three people have gone to court and obtained orders restraining the national government and its agents from implementing the project," he told the press at Kiamutuira on Saturday while inspecting various projects.

Mr Ndathi told the judiciary to make sure the cases are determined on time so that the project can take off.

The governor said the project would triple rice production.

"The project will increase production so that the country can have sufficient rice for consumption and export," he said.

He dismissed claims that infighting among local leaders hampered its commencement.

Further, he urged the locals to re-elect President Uhuru Kenyatta because he will improve the economy.

He said he will defend his seat on a Jubilee ticket.