The Ministry of Water and Irrigation has issued an Invitation for Prequalification (IFP) yesterday for developers to carry out operations along the Thiba River. A loan from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) will be to fund the venture which will improve agricultural output in the region.

“Irrigated agriculture has the potential to turn around performance of the agricultural sector and create wealth and employment in rural areas,” said Minister for Water and Irrigation, Charity Ngilu in a public address earlier this year. She noted that the Thiba dam expansion, along with other similar projects, would encourage private sector participation.

According to the National Irrigation Board (NIB), the project, which will cost KES 12 billion, will create jobs for people living within the Mwea Tebere area. The board reported that the project will also contribute to water accessibility in the region.

The IPF is open to bidders from countries that meet requirements based on guidelines under the Japanese Official Development Assistance (ODA) Loans agreement. They will be charged a non-refundable application fee of KES 5000. The submission deadline for application forms is 27^th September 2012.