TWIN FLLoCA PROJECTS TO TRANSFORM WATER ACCESS AND AGRICULTURE IN MUVAU/KIKUMINI AND KIKUMBULYU SOUTH.

Thousands of residents in Muvau/Kikumini and Kikumbulyu South wards are set to benefit from improved access to water and climate-smart agriculture following the commencement of two major livelihood restoration projects under the Financing Locally-Led Climate Action (FLLoCA) Programme.

Makueni Climate Change Unit officers, led by Director Jackline Kamusa, on Thursday officially handed over project sites to contractors for the implementation of the Thwake Water Distribution and Livelihood Restoration Project in Muvau/Kikumini Ward and the Ngandani Water Distribution and Livelihood Project in Kikumbulyu South Ward.

The Thwake project is designed to tackle chronic water shortages by enhancing the Thwake Sand Dam and expanding water distribution to several water-stressed villages, including Kyemwole, Nyunzu, Kambi Mawe, Kwa Kathoka, Mulaani, King’uutheni, Mwenyenyo, Kwa Mutune, Mang’auni, Kasarani, Sombi and Kwa Pius.

Beyond improving access to water, the project will boost agricultural productivity through the establishment of a fish hatchery at Kwa Kathoka ATC, pasture and fodder farms, agroforestry through the distribution of citrus and mango seedlings, and the installation of a rain gauge to support climate-informed farming.

Meanwhile, the Ngandani Water Distribution and Livelihood Project will improve access to clean and safe water through the construction of a spring intake at Kithokoosyo, installation of distribution pipelines and water kiosks to serve surrounding communities. The project will also promote climate-smart agriculture through pasture establishment, livestock breed improvement, apiculture, and farmer training on water management, rangeland governance and livestock value chains, helping farmers increase productivity while building resilience to climate change.