The Napuu Irrigation Scheme, located 16 kilometers east of Lodwar town, is a testament to how agricultural expertise and strategic development can unlock Turkana County’s vast potential to achieve food security and economic growth. The project, currently benefiting 100 households across 150 acres, has proven that Turkana’s arid landscape can be transformed into a productive agricultural hub.
The scheme’s recent success with watermelon farming highlights its potential. The harvest not only satisfied local demand in Lodwar but also attracted buyers from Kitale and even Uganda, showcasing the region’s capability to sustain itself and supply other markets.
Kerio Valley Development Authority (KVDA) Managing Director Sammy Naporos revealed that under President William Ruto’s directive, KVDA aims to develop the first 52,000 hectares of arable land in Turkana and West Pokot counties. Crops such as sorghum, maize, and watermelons are thriving, positioning the region as a beacon of agricultural transformation.
Cabinet Secretary for East African Community Affairs, Arid and Semi-Arid Lands, and Regional Development Beatrice Askul, during her visit to Napuu, praised the initiative’s success and pledged further expansion. She announced plans to revive the Loyapat Irrigation Scheme, which had stalled due to conflict, and identified Todonyang as another potential site for irrigation farming.
“Turkana has immense arable land that, with expert guidance, can drastically reduce the county’s dependence on relief supplies,” Askul stated.
For many, like Sospeter Munyes, a member of the Napuu committee, the scheme has become a lifeline. It provides food for vulnerable populations and offers livelihoods to smallholder farmers. However, Munyes urged the government to allocate more resources to expand irrigation efforts.
The shift from traditional pastoralism to farming is evident, with farmers adopting borehole irrigation to cultivate food crops. KVDA is working to link these farmers to lucrative markets, including Kenya Breweries Limited.
Naporos emphasized the need for diversification and resilience in the face of climate change, pointing to Napuu as a model for sustainable agricultural development. With continued support, Turkana’s irrigation projects could redefine its future as a food-secure and economically vibrant region.
