Ahero Irrigation Scheme
The Ahero Irrigation scheme is located in the Kano plains between Nandi Escarpment and Nyabondo Plateau.
Background information
The scheme operations stalled in 1999/2000 due to depletion of funds following the mwea crisis. In 2003 NIB funded by the government of Kenya through the Ministry of Water and Irrigation started rehabilitation of irrigation infrastructure resulting to installation of two new pumps in with a combined pumping capacity of 1,200/s.Two additional pumps were added in 2005 with a combine capacity of 1,3201/s bringing the total pumping capacity to 2,520 1/s all at a cost of Ksh 45million.The commissioning of the rehabilitated Ahero Irrigation Scheme was he;d 14th July 2005 presided by the then Minister for Water and Irrigation; Hon Martha Karua.
1.1 scheme objectives
  • optimal utilization of available land and water resources
  • attainment of income generation
  • improvement of income generation
  • creation of employment
  • promotion of participatory irrigation management for sustainable production and growth
  • sustainable supply of raw materials for agro-based industries

 1.2 Tasks Accomplished:

  • Installation of four irrigation water pumps
  • Rehabilitation of water conveyance and control structures
  • Introduced participatory irrigation management whereby farmers take charge of land preparation, crop husbandry, processing and marketing of rice.
  • Facilitated formation and operation of water user associations
  • Facilitated formation of farmers’ Cooperative society
  • Facilitated liaison and engagement of micro-finance institutions
  • Played a critical role in the realization of a gross revenue of over Ksh 129million worth of paddy rice in annually
2.0 CURRENT SITUATION
  • NIB underwent restructuring in 2002 and is now able to respond effectively to the demands of a liberalized agricultural sector and economy in general.
  • To improve security and maximize poverty on a reliable and sustainability way, NIB plans to increase irrigated area for Ahero and West Kano schemes by providing additional irrigation infrastructure. CODA and partners have been engage to identify requirements for gravity water supply for Ahero and Wes Kano schemes.
  • NIB to embark on a expansion programme with a target of 500 acres in the financial year 2006/7 (kasiru-kola-Mbega).
  • The scheme has benefited as a result of government policy to support irrigation and the poverty reduction strategy for2001-2008.

The Ahero pumps