Ahero Pump Station Upgrade to Irrigate 1,000 Acres, Create 15,000 Jobs
Nyando, Kisumu County — The Government of Kenya has officially launched the Rehabilitation and Upgrading of the Ahero Pump Station for the Kobong’o Irrigation Scheme, a flagship KES 650 million (USD 5 million) project aimed at transforming agriculture, boosting food security, and creating thousands of jobs in Nyando Sub-County.
The landmark project, implemented by the National Irrigation Authority (NIA) under the Ministry of Water, Sanitation and Irrigation, was officially launched on Thursday, 26th February 2025, by Hon. FCPA John Mbadi Ng’ongo, EGH, Cabinet Secretary for the National Treasury.
🌾 Project Overview
The ambitious upgrade will transform the existing Ahero pumping station into a modern solar-powered hybrid irrigation system, drawing water from the Nyando River to supply irrigation to approximately 1,000 acres in Kobong’o, Awasi/Onjiko Ward.
Once complete, the project is expected to directly benefit 240 households while unlocking large-scale economic activity across the entire agricultural value chain in the region.
🔧 Key Project Components
☀️ Construction of a 500 kWp grid-tied solar power system for sustainable pumping operations
🏗️ Rehabilitation of intake works and riverbank protection
🔄 Replacement of two old pumps and installation of one new high-capacity pump
💧 Development of a water distribution network covering 600 acres initially, with phased expansion
📋 Feasibility studies, detailed design, and construction works
💼 Economic Impact
The project is expected to deliver significant economic benefits to the local community:
👥 Job Creation:
5,000 direct jobs
10,000 indirect jobs
🌽 Agricultural Output:
Supports 1.6 cropping seasons annually
Expected gross revenue of KES 250,000 per acre per season
Estimated KES 250 million in annual farm income
💰 Return on Investment:
Payback period: Within three (3) years, making the project financially and economically viable
📅 Project Status and Timeline
Total project duration: 26 months
Commencement date: 20th December 2024
Expected completion: 27th February 2027
Current progress: 40% complete
Feasibility studies and designs have been finalized, equipment procurement is ongoing, and contractors are already on site commencing physical works.
🤝 Funding and Partnership
The project is financed through a Tied-Aid Credit from the Government of the Republic of Hungary, underscoring Kenya’s growing international development partnerships in climate-smart agriculture and renewable energy.
The Kobong’o Irrigation Scheme is aligned with the Government’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA) , focusing on:
✅ Agricultural productivity
✅ Food security
✅ Poverty reduction
✅ Climate-resilient agriculture powered by clean energy
This initiative represents a significant step toward sustainable development in Kisumu County, combining modern technology with traditional farming to create a prosperous future for local communities.
🚗 Explore Kisumu with Afrivibe Rentals
Planning to visit Nyando, Ahero, or any other part of Kisumu County? Whether you’re a government official, investor, or tourist coming to see these exciting developments firsthand, Afrivibe Rentals is your trusted travel partner.
Based at Kisumu International Airport, we offer:
✈️ Airport Transfers – Prompt pickup and drop-off
🚕 Taxi & Cab Services – Quick city rides
🚙 Car Hire – Comfortable vehicles for your journey
📍 Point-to-Point Travel – Anywhere in Western Kenya
💬 Book Your Ride Today!
📱 WhatsApp: Start Chat
📞 Call: 0710 899 460
📧 Email: info@kisumuairportcabs.co.ke
🌐 Website: www.kisumuairportcabs.co.ke
🚘 Book a Taxi/Chauffered Rental: Click Here to Book
Afrivibe Rentals – Your Journey, Our Promise. 🚗✨