Approximately 450 million shillings have been set aside for the implementation of thirty water projects in Kenya. The funds were provided by the government of the East African country through the Ministry of Regional Development.
The project in question will be overseen by the Kerio Valley Development Authority (KVDA). KVDA is one of six Regional Development Authorities (RDAs) in Kenya established for the initiation, planning, and development of resources along the Kerio River basin.
Speaking on the project, the Principal Secretary Salim Dakota, said that it will involve drilling boreholes and building water pans. Dakota further said that it would go a long way toward solving problems that had troubled the area for many years. He said that water was one of the reasons for conflicts among the pastoralist communities.
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The PS stated that his ministry will work with the Ministry of Water to supply the community once the projects are finished. He said this while he was launching the Rokocho honey processing plant and a borehole in the Keiyo South sub-county.
He pointed out that communities could come up with new projects. These projects would provide a sustainable means of livelihood with enough water. According to him, this could change their lives as the water would be used not just for domestic purposes but also for irrigation as well as livestock.
Why they are establishing water projects in Kenya
He stated that they aim to move from rain-fed farming to irrigation. They are confident that water will economically impact the area.
The PS also stated that there were plans in place to boost the honey processing plant’s processing capacity. This would be from 120 tons per year to 350 tons per year. The boost would allow it to serve more farmers.
After it is expanded, he claimed that he hopes more residents of neighboring counties will deliver their honey to the facility for processing.
Sammy Naporos, the KVDA MD, stated that the organization bought honey and mangoes from local farmers in the year before for an overall amount of Sh. 60 million and Sh. 30 million, respectively.
According to the PS, KVDA bought 2 million tree seedlings to be supplied to farmers for planting. This contributed to also meeting the country’s goal of planting 15 billion trees.
KVDA runs in the counties of Elgeyo Marakwet, West Pokot, Baringo, Turkana, and sections of Samburu and Nakuru.
