A multi-billion water project has been launched in Western Kenya to assist tackle perennial floods in components of the area and promote irrigation farming.
The Ksh7 billion (US$70 million) challenge dubbed Lower Nzoia Irrigation Project will spread throughout 10,000 acres of land with a view of producing enough food to serve the complete region. 5,000 acres is predicted to be beneath high value crops and the other 5,000 acres under rice and food crops to profit 12,000 households.
At least 34km of dykes will be constructed in addition to River Nzoia to forestall it from bursting its banks and discharging water which might wreak havoc on farms and homes.
The project is projected to benefit at least 60,000 individuals from two western counties of Busia and Siaya.
While launching the venture, Kenya’s Deputy President, Dr. William Ruto said that a weir shall be constructed to regulate water flowing into River Nzoia from different rivers outside the county.
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“Food safety is considered one of our Big Four agendas and we are dedicated to ensuring that we’ve adequate food and farmers get money,” stated Ruto
Residents are optimistic the relaunch of the Irrigation Scheme will see rice manufacturing in the area jump to a brand new level.
The challenge underneath the National Irrigation Board was conceived in 2006 to help combat perennial flooding at the decrease Nzoia areas, whereas diverting the water and utilizing it for irrigation.
Super secret has mentioned that some preliminary works, which include the construction of concrete diversion weir, 135m connecting channel and 2.7km canal, are ongoing.
Kenya’s Irrigation Permanent Secretary, Fred Segor, stated the challenge was set to be a fully-fledged agribusiness venture with manufacturing and value addition.
He announced that there were efforts to make sure the project is accomplished in 2021 as had been envisioned.
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