Governor Wavinya Ndeti Delivers as Yatta Canal Comes Back to Life, Reviving Hope and Livelihoods in Machakos

The revival of the Yatta Canal stands as a landmark achievement under the leadership of Governor Wavinya Ndeti, marking a major turnaround for thousands of households across the Yatta Plateau and the wider Machakos County.

What was once a lifeline reduced to a shadow of its former self—choked by years of siltation and neglect—has now been restored, breathing new life into farming communities whose livelihoods depend on reliable access to water. The desilting and rehabilitation of the Yatta Canal fulfills a pledge made by Governor Wavinya Ndeti during her 2022 tour of the Yatta Plateau, when residents voiced concerns over declining agricultural productivity and worsening water scarcity.

At the time, farmers, traders, and local institutions narrated the heavy toll the stalled canal had taken on food production, household incomes, and community stability. Governor Ndeti gave a firm assurance that her administration would restore the canal—and today, that commitment has translated into tangible results.

The restored canal is already transforming lives. Farms that had lain fallow are back under cultivation, schools and households now enjoy improved water access, and agribusiness activity is steadily picking up. Beyond infrastructure, the project represents a strategic investment in food security, climate resilience, and inclusive economic growth.

The initiative strongly aligns with the county’s development blueprint, the Chakula Mezani, Pesa Mfukoni agenda, which prioritizes agricultural productivity as a pathway to improved incomes and sustainable livelihoods. By ensuring uninterrupted water flow, the canal is expected to boost crop yields, reduce vulnerability to drought, and strengthen local economies across Yatta Sub-County.

As water once again courses through the canal, it carries with it renewed hope for farmers, fresh opportunities for youth and women in agribusiness, and a clear message that leadership rooted in listening, action, and delivery can transform communities.

For the people of Yatta, the revival of the canal is more than a completed project—it is a promise kept, and a powerful symbol of a brighter, more secure future under Governor Wavinya Ndeti’s administration.