In a significant move aimed at enhancing agricultural productivity and improving livelihoods, the Kerio Valley Development Authority (KVDA) has announced a substantial investment of Sh100 million for the construction of the Chebagon dam and the rehabilitation of the Emsoo dam in Keiyo North Sub County. This project is poised to serve over 12,000 households and irrigate approximately 1,200 acres of land.
The Managing Director of KVDA, Sammy Naporos, highlighted the project’s objectives and anticipated benefits during the launch event held at Emsoo Dam. He detailed that the Emsoo Dam’s rehabilitation would cost Sh59 million, while the new Chebagon Dam would require Sh41 million. The comprehensive plan includes the extension of water pipes to enhance distribution across a 24-kilometer distance, ensuring a broader reach of the irrigation system.
In addition to the water infrastructure, Naporos outlined plans to construct six new tanks and renovate existing pipes along Kapchelal and Kokwao sublocations. These improvements are expected to significantly boost water availability and distribution efficiency in the region.
A noteworthy aspect of the project is its focus on encouraging the cultivation of fruit trees such as mangoes, avocados, and passion fruits. This initiative aligns with the government’s broader goal of enhancing food security and providing farmers with seedlings to support their agricultural endeavors. By diversifying crop production, the project aims to offer farmers more lucrative opportunities and increase their resilience against climate variability.
Mark Chesergon, the Chairman of KVDA, emphasized the economic empowerment that the project would bring to local residents. The availability of a reliable water supply is anticipated to transform agricultural practices, enabling farmers to engage in more intensive and diversified farming activities. Elgeiyo Marakwet Governor Wisley Rotich added that each farmer is projected to earn approximately Sh25,000 through fruit cultivation, underscoring the project’s potential to uplift the community economically.
Governor Rotich also called on the County Assembly to enact strict regulations to prevent the diversion of irrigation water by selfish individuals, ensuring that the benefits of the project reach the intended beneficiaries, particularly the less privileged farmers.
The extension of the Emsoo Water Project, which was initially started by World Vision in 2017, has been welcomed by the local community. Alex Ngeno, Chairman of the Emsoo Water Project, expressed gratitude for the project’s expansion, which will now serve a larger population, including schools and the local dispensary. Ngeno highlighted that the reliable water supply would support farmers engaged in tomato, bean, onion, and vegetable farming, leading to increased production and improved livelihoods.
Beyond direct agricultural benefits, the project is expected to create indirect employment opportunities. Ngeno pointed out that boda boda riders would find new avenues for income by transporting farm produce to markets, contributing to the local economy. He also noted that the project would alleviate the long-standing challenge of water scarcity, which had previously forced residents to spend considerable amounts of money and time searching for water, often relying on donkeys and more recently on boda bodas.
The project’s potential impact was summed up by Peris Biwott, a local farmer, who expressed her elation at the prospect of no longer worrying about crop failures due to insufficient rainfall. With the improved irrigation infrastructure, farmers in Keiyo North Sub County can look forward to a more secure and prosperous future.
In conclusion, the KVDA’s initiative to construct the Chebagon dam and rehabilitate the Emsoo dam marks a significant step towards enhancing agricultural productivity and improving the quality of life for residents in Keiyo North. The project’s multifaceted approach, encompassing infrastructure development, crop diversification, and economic empowerment, promises to create lasting positive impacts on the community.
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