Sh1 billion shot in the arm for irrigation

Michael Loktare who grows okra in his farm at the Wei Wei irrigation scheme in West Pokot County. FILE PHOTO | JARED NYATAYA |

By  NATION CORRESPONDENT

What you need to know:

  • The farm under irrigation will expand by 325 hectares.
  • Farmers are allocated five acres each to grow maize, beans, sorghum and a variety of fruits under irrigation in the scheme.

Italy has channelled Sh1 billion grant to Wei Wei irrigation scheme, in West Pokot County, to step up crop production.

In a plan that will see the farm under irrigation expand by 325 hectares (about 800 acres), the government, through Kerio Valley Development Authority (KVDA) will also pump Sh100 million into the project.

“The funds will enable farmers increase the acreage under crop production and generate additional income,” KVDA managing director David Kimosop said.

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Farmers are allocated five acres each to grow maize, beans, sorghum and a variety of fruits under irrigation in the scheme.

Mr Kimosop called on the local pastoral community to diversify into fresh income streams such as irrigation farming with a view to step up revenue and improve their living standards.

DIVERSIFY

“It is high time pastoralists diversify into crop production to alleviate poverty,” said Mr Kimosop.

The authority has plans to support the farmers get certified seeds and modern machines to increase yields, he said.

In Kenya, huge tracts of land that is suitable for irrigation goes to waste due to poor policies and insufficient funding. Ironically, many parts of the country experience perennial shortage of food.

According to the National Irrigation Board, over 600,000 hectares can be irrigated but only less than 150,000 hectares have been harnessed.

The government allocated Sh16 billion in the current Budget to promote irrigation farming.

MARBLE PRODUCTS

At the same time, KVDA is seeking Sh500 million for marble exploration and processing in the expansive Kerio Valley.

Mr Kimosop said Indian mineral exploration companies specialising in manufacture of marble products have expressed interest to partner with the authority to set up a plant in Kenya.

“Local investors are encouraged to invest in the project owing to massive deposits of marble that can last for 100 years,” said Mr Kimosop.

The marble deposits are found at Koitilial and Anin, in Elgeyo-Marakwet County, and parts of West Pokot County.

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