PS Kimotho Launches Hirimani Bridges Construction in Bura Irrigation Scheme

Principal Secretary for Irrigation Ephantus Kimotho launched the construction of the Hirimani Bridges at Villages 2 and 6 inside the Bura Irrigation Scheme in Tana River County. He also issued Green Cards for more than 2,000 acres to 720 farming families during the same event.

The PS was accompanied by Bura Member of Parliament Yakub Adow Kuno. Officials from the State Department for Irrigation and the National Irrigation Authority, led by CEO Mutinda, attended alongside local leaders.

Kimotho said the launch responds to a presidential directive focused on strengthening irrigation infrastructure and securing land ownership for farmers. He noted the government’s continued focus on raising agricultural productivity and improving livelihoods in the scheme.

The government has allocated KSh 55 million for the bridges. The contract allows one year for completion, though the contractor is targeting six months.

Kimotho directed continued desilting of irrigation canals and clearing of bushes to improve water flow and efficiency. He also ordered the upgrading of at least 10 kilometres of access roads to support movement of farmers, inputs and produce.

He called for proper physical planning and land mapping to guide development in the scheme. The Green Cards will give farmers formal ownership rights and encourage greater investment in their plots.

The Village 2 Bridge will consist of a double-span 20-metre reinforced concrete girder bridge with approach roads. The Village 6 Bridge will include a similar 20-metre double-span girder bridge, two single-cell box culverts measuring 4.0 metres by 2.0 metres on both sides, and approach roads.

Once finished, the bridges should improve access and safety between the villages. They will reduce travel times and allow better monitoring of the main canal during the rainy season. The structures are also expected to lower flooding risks and limit crop damage on nearby farms.

MP Yakub Adow Kuno commended the State Department for Irrigation for addressing farmer concerns and accelerating projects in Bura.

The Bura Irrigation Scheme operates as one of Kenya’s major irrigation projects in Tana River County. It supplies controlled water to support crop production in a semi-arid area where rainfall remains unreliable. Infrastructure like these bridges directly affects how farmers move goods and access services.

Land ownership through Green Cards addresses a practical challenge in many irrigation schemes. Secure tenure lets families plan longer term and use their land more confidently for farming activities.

The Hirimani Laga has previously created access barriers between villages during certain seasons. Seasonal flows have also contributed to flooding that affects farms along its banks. The new bridges target these specific problems.

The project will support overall irrigation operations by improving connectivity. Better roads and structures help the scheme run more smoothly and assist efforts to raise agricultural output.

Officials expect the works to strengthen daily operations for thousands of farmers who rely on the scheme. The combination of new bridges and land documents provides both physical and legal improvements on the ground.