Irrigation key to closing gender gap in water security, PS Kimotho says

Stuedents mark World Water Day 2026 on March 22, 2026. [Courtesy] 

Women and girls continue to bear the heaviest burden of water insecurity in Kenya despite contributing up to 70 per cent of all agricultural labour.

Speaking during national celebrations to mark World Water Day 2026 in Meru County, Irrigation Principal Secretary Ephantus Kimotho observed that irrigation expansion remains the most direct tool for closing the gender productivity gap.

The PS cited ongoing irrigation investments in Meru County worth approximately Sh750 million as evidence of the government's commitment to equity. The projects cover 2,581 acres and benefit more than 5,381 households.

"Expanding access to irrigation is therefore key to unlocking productivity, reducing poverty and promoting equity," noted Kimotho.

The PS called on stakeholders to conserve water towers, protect forest catchments and promote inclusive irrigation access for women and youth to ensure sustainable food security.

Water and Sanitation Cabinet Secretary Eric Mugaa led the event, held under the theme Water and Gender, at Mwerongundu Primary School in Igembe North Constituency.

The ceremony was attended by Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku, Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura and several principal secretaries, including Julius Korir (Water), Betsy Njagi (Blue Economy), Gitonga Mugambi (Forestry) and Patrick Kilemi (Cooperatives).

During the commemoration of the International Day of Forests at Oloolua Forest on Saturday, March 21, PS Kimotho said that communities surrounding forests will be at the center of conservation efforts.

The PS who has adopted the forest said that he would be leading restoration on the river through various initiatives to bring together the community, well-wishers and government agencies.

"We cannot do without the support of the surrounding communities, we are going to support the establishment of tree nurseries and a borehole to aid the tree nurseries, provide 200 beehives, 2000 ovacado seedlings,” he said.

Kimotho emphasized on the critical need to protect the forest to safeguard the biodiversity but and provide livelihoods to communities neighbouring the forests.

The PS said that he had embarked on the process of mobilizing resources to electronically fence the forest through various initiatives like a walk set to take place on April 25, 2026.

Already there are commitments from friends and partners to put up the electronic fence on 23 of the first 25 acres around the Forest

According to Kimotho neighbouring communities will play critical roles in the restoration efforts and that a public participation exercise will be held to determine where the gates to the forest will be located.