{
  "id": 13359929,
  "title": "Waiguru pledges to rehabilitate Mwea rice farm roads",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/10/waiguru-pledges-to-rehabilitate-mwea-rice-farm-roads",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-10T07:48:42.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "KBC",
    "slug": "kbc",
    "url": "https://www.kbc.co.ke/waiguru-pledges-to-rehabilitate-mwea-rice-farm-roads/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru has pledged to rehabilitate the roads in the Mwea irrigation scheme, which have long been in poor condition. During a meeting with farmers and local leaders, Waiguru stated that while the National Irrigation Authority (NIA) is responsible for on-farm road maintenance, delays in rehabilitation have impacted the transportation of rice from the farms. To address this issue, Waiguru committed to providing machinery and fuel to assist in the construction work. She emphasized that upgrading the roads would make it easier for farmers to transport their produce to the market, ultimately reducing transportation costs. Waiguru urged residents to support the region's development by collaborating with both government levels. She highlighted Mwea's significance to Kirinyaga County and Kenya's economy, as it is the country's leading rice-producing region and a major contributor to national food security. With an annual production of around 210,000 metric tonnes of rice, the region generates approximately Ksh15 billion in value. Waiguru pointed out that the success of Mwea depends on protecting its gains and advancing its prosperity through forward-looking leadership. She also highlighted government interventions aimed at addressing production challenges, such as providing mechanisation support, agricultural extension services, and cooperative development programs. At the national level, the government has subsidized fertilizers, seeds, and agricultural programs to support farmers. Waiguru emphasized the importance of continued collaboration between the county and national governments to ensure farmers' confidence to invest in their land and expand production. She also mentioned the government's purchase of locally produced rice through the Kenya National Trading Corporation as a crucial market support measure. Beyond agriculture, Waiguru outlined a comprehensive development plan for Mwea, focusing on strengthening commercial, social, and urban infrastructure. This includes improving markets, the Sagana Industrial Park, road networks, healthcare facilities, and educational institutions. She stressed that cooperation with the national government is essential for completing ongoing projects, particularly roads and markets, and sustaining the region's development momentum.",
  "summary": "Relief for rice farmers as Waiguru commits to rehabilitate on-farm roads in vast Mwea Irrigation Scheme. The post Waiguru pledges to rehabilitate Mwea rice farm roads appeared first on KBC Digital .",
  "key_points": [
    "Governor Anne Waiguru pledges to rehabilitate Mwea rice farm roads.",
    "Waiguru commits to providing machinery and fuel for road construction.",
    "Mwea is Kenya's leading rice-producing region, generating Ksh15 billion annually."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}