Karachuonyo: The government will soon be launching farmer-led irrigation projects in Western Kenya, with the support of the German Development Bank. Targeting smallholder farmers, the initiative will provide subsidized irrigation equipment, climate-smart technologies, water pans, and innovative financing to reduce over-reliance on rain-fed agriculture, aimed at boosting food security.
According to Kenya News Agency, while commissioning the Raongo Primary School Micro-Irrigation Project in Karachuonyo Constituency, the Secretary Administration (SA) of the State Department for Irrigation, David Yatich Kipkemei, emphasized Homabay County as one of the six counties set to benefit from the program. Kipkemei, representing the Irrigation Principal Secretary Ephantus Kimotho, highlighted the state’s investment of over Sh2.7 billion in irrigation projects across Homabay County.
Kipkemei cited the newly commissioned Raongo Primary Micro Irrigation Project as a testament to this commitment. The project will provide over 400 school community members and more than 2000 nearby households with water for consumption and irrigation. The Sh16 million project includes a borehole and solar-powered pump, a steel water tank, solar panels, a community water kiosk, greenhouses, and a drip irrigation-equipped field.
The SA noted that the project offers educational opportunities for the school community’s 4K clubs, allowing them to practice irrigation and learn water management skills. He remarked on the significance of practical education, adding that the project will enhance pupils’ nutrition and support the school financially.
David Owade, Raongo Primary School’s agriculture teacher, highlighted the project’s impact on making lessons more practical and memorable. Meanwhile, Homabay County woman representative Dr. Joyce Atieno Bensuda expressed gratitude for the project and pledged continued support.
The event also saw the presence of Thande Githae, the director of climate resilience for food and water security at the Ministry of Water and Sanitation.
