Water, Sanitation and Irrigation Cabinet Secretary Eric Muriithi Mugaa has reconstituted the National Irrigation Authority (NIA) Board with the reappointment of two members and the appointment of a new board official.
According to a notice published in the Kenya Gazette, Mugaa renewed the appointments of Mary Kanana Mwiti and Ubah Kahiye as members of the National Irrigation Authority Board for another three-year term.
The CS also appointed Gilbert Bwire Wangalwa as a new member of the board, with all appointments taking effect from July 20, 2026.
“In exercise of the powers conferred by section 9 (1) of the Irrigation Act, the Cabinet Secretary reappoints Mary Kanana Mwiti and Ubah Kahiye as members of the Board of Directors of the National Irrigation Authority for a period of three years,” the Gazette notice stated.
A separate notice confirmed Wangalwa’s appointment to the board, also for a three-year period.
“In exercise of the powers conferred by section 9 (1) (f) of the Irrigation Act, the Cabinet Secretary appoints Gilbert Bwire Wangalwa to be a member of the Board of Directors of the National Irrigation Authority,” the notice reads.
The appointments come as the government continues to prioritize irrigation expansion and modernization as part of efforts to boost agricultural production, strengthen food security and reduce reliance on rain-fed farming.
The National Irrigation Authority oversees the development, management and rehabilitation of irrigation schemes across the country, supporting farmers through improved water access and sustainable agricultural practices.
The newly constituted board is expected to provide strategic guidance in implementing irrigation projects and advancing government plans to increase land under irrigation.
Officials say strengthening leadership at the authority will be key in ensuring efficient management of irrigation programmes and supporting communities that depend on agriculture for their livelihoods.
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