LOISE KAHIGA

𝑴𝒆𝒈𝒂 𝑫𝒂𝒎𝒔 𝑲𝒆𝒚 𝒕𝒐 𝑬𝒙𝒑𝒂𝒏𝒅𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝑰𝒓𝒓𝒊𝒈𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑻𝒓𝒂𝒏𝒔𝒇𝒐𝒓𝒎𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝑳𝒊𝒗𝒆𝒍𝒊𝒉𝒐𝒐𝒅𝒔 𝒊𝒏 𝑻𝒖𝒓𝒌𝒂𝒏𝒂 𝑬𝒂𝒔𝒕 The State Department for Irrigation is intensifying efforts to expand irrigation through the development of mega dams, with Principal Secretary @EphantusKim emphasizing that the initiative is critical to achieving the national target of two million acres under irrigation. Speaking during farmer engagements for Morulem, Elelea, and Lokubae irrigation schemes in Turkana East, the PS noted that irrigation development remains the most viable pathway to unlocking the region’s agricultural potential and reducing dependency on relief food. The three key schemes Lokubae (2,560 acres), Morulem (1,680 acres), and Elelea (1,300 acres),collectively support 1,058 farmers, each cultivating approximately half an acre. Farmers in the area grow a variety of crops including maize, sorghum, cowpeas, green grams, groundnuts, sukuma wiki, tomatoes, watermelons, and spinach. However, most of the production remains at subsistence level, with only a small portion supplying local schools. Despite Turkana East’s vast agricultural potential, only about 6,000 acres are currently under irrigation. Plans are underway to expand community based irrigation to 10,000 acres, alongside an additional 45,000 acres dedicated to commercial farming under the proposed Lowaat Dam project. PS Kimotho echoed on measures put for the implementation of the Lowaat Dam, noting that the project will be a national investment under the National Infrastructure Fund. He confirmed that land for the 10,000 acres earmarked for community irrigation has already been mapped, paving the way for the next phase of development. The PS also underscored the importance of revitalizing existing schemes as quick wins. He called for immediate desilting of the three major schemes to enable farmers to resume production without delay.He added that the development of the dam will also spur complementary investments such as road infrastructure, further opening up the region to trade and investment. The rehabilitation of Lokubae clusters is expected to deliver wide ranging benefits, including increased household incomes, job creation, improved access to animal feed, enhanced nutrition and health, and better living standards for pastoral and agro-pastoral communities. Additionally, the projects will help cushion the agricultural sector against climate-related shocks while boosting overall productivity. Turkana East Member of Parliament Hon. Nicholas Ngikor Nixon, lauded the State Department for its timely intervention in reviving stalled irrigation schemes, noting that the initiative will restore livelihoods and unlock long term economic growth. Both leaders emphasized the critical role of Irrigation Water Users Associations in ensuring sustainable management of irrigation schemes, alongside cooperatives which are key in strengthening market linkages for farmers.

When a woman is given a seat at the table, we gain a world of new perspectives. When given access to credit, we gain a thriving economy. Supporting women empowerment in our communities with knowledge and access to resources, ensures that they become the strongest protectors of our society and heritage. Today, with @InteriorKE CS @kipmurkomen at the Invitation of our @KeTreasury Cabinet colleague, @JohnMbadiN, we joined the Deputy President H.E @KindikiKithure for a women empowerment forum towards Resource Mobilization for different groups of women in Suba, Homa Bay County. We fully support these initiatives geared towards a wholistic growth~ the true spirit of the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda. #IWD2026 #womenempowerment

The session served as a capacity building forum where the Authority and the H2O Consortium team provided training on the project scope, water management and the importance of irrigation.

Nyanza’s irrigation potential could transform Kenya’s food security with potential of 400,000 metric tons of rice annually and cut import bills by up to Sh22 billion.

He emphasized that Galana Kulalu project demonstrates the success of effective public-private partnerships in transforming Kenya's irrigated agriculture.

He noted that soil assessments have been completed on key areas and the soils are suitable for food production with minimal improvements.

The Galana–Kulalu Irrigation Scheme is a flagship food security initiative under the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA) and a key pillar of the Government’s Agricultural Transformation Agenda championed by H.E. @WilliamsRuto @MOWSI_KE @EphantusKim @StateHouseKenya

At State House, Nairobi, launched the Affordable Housing Programme Internship Programme, opening career pathways for 5,500 young Kenyans into the building sector in over 40 professional roles, including engineering, architecture, planning, ICT, finance, environment, surveying, and construction.

Mercy Gachoki: Don’t live to prove to others that you’re succeeding. #NTVElevate

I couldn’t have said it better than Mokaya: “Your realities should not blind you to other people’s realities….Let’s not trivialise small steps that make lives different and hopeful for some people.” The Nyota Programme is about empowering young entrepreneurs and transforming the livelihoods of 820,000 Kenyans. Bottom UP!

Once completed, the Athi Dam and the Galana Kulalu Food Security Project will stand as a cornerstone of Kenya’s agricultural transformation optimizing crop, livestock and fish production to significantly contribute to national food security.

@Irrigation_Auth CEO, @mutindas90 and Ms. Du Shan, Deputy General Manager China Communications Construction Company Limited Kenya, today signed a contract for the engineering, procurement, construction and financing of the Athi Dam ( Galana),...

This holistic approach will drive the country toward a sustainable future, enhancing agri-processing capabilities and creating thousands of jobs for Kenyan youth, thereby fulfilling the promise of economic inclusion and prosperity for all.

Merry Christmas

#Festiveflavors #FarmToTableFresh

Bura scheme farming: How youth are growing profits from the soil zurl.co/U8XDC

Today, @Irrigation_Auth hosted the Cabinet Secretary for the Ministry of Water, Sanitation and Irrigation, @mugaa_eric, for the official launch of the first seed maize harvest under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model at the Galana Kulalu Food Security Project.