Baringo: Kerio Valley Development Authority (KVDA) has completed and commissioned 14 water projects at an estimated cost of Sh 300 million in Baringo County to mitigate water scarcity. The water projects, implemented over the past three years across six subcounties, include three dams, four water pans, and seven boreholes.
According to Kenya News Agency, the water projects cumulatively irrigate over 140 acres of land under food crops, supplying clean and safe water to 3,800 households and 111,000 livestock, as well as several schools. The improved water access has benefited over 30,000 people, increased the land under irrigation by 410 acres, and provided water for over 120,000 livestock.
Some of the dams, water pans, and boreholes are located in the subcounties of Baringo Central, Baringo North, Mogotio, Marigat, and Tiaty. While some projects are at various stages of implementation, others await commissioning and operationalization.
KVDA Chairman Mark Chesergon, speaking during the commissioning of the Chemura and Cheploch boreholes, emphasized the aim of providing sustainable development in a region that has faced insecurity challenges. The Chemura and Cheploch boreholes will benefit 3,000 and 4,000 people, respectively, and support local learning institutions, which previously relied on the distant River Kerio for water.
Chesergon highlighted that the two projects would also support 30,000 livestock and five acres of kitchen gardens. He stated that they are engaging locals by providing clean and safe water for smallholder irrigation, taking advantage of the area’s fertile soil for agriculture.
Dr. Wanjiku Manyatta, director for regional development, urged the Baringo County government and other partners to support the extension of water services to neighboring communities. She emphasized the importance of self-sufficiency at the household level to achieve Vision 2030.
Reuben Chepsongol, a KVDA director, expressed the authority’s commitment to ensuring every corner of the Kerio Valley region benefits from government projects. KVDA is also involved in conserving river basins in the semi-arid region by rehabilitating degraded watersheds and supplying assorted tree and fruit seedlings for environmental conservation.
Baringo North Member of Parliament Joseph Makilap praised KVDA for initiating the water projects, which benefit institutions and surrounding communities. He urged President William Ruto to reconsider the dissolution of the agency, highlighting its role in promoting peace and development in the North Rift counties it serves.
Priscah Kirui, a resident of Barwessa, expressed relief at the water project’s impact, as it reduces the distance women travel to fetch water from over five kilometers to about 700 meters. The initiative has enabled residents to engage in extensive agriculture, improving their livelihoods.
During the event, KVDA distributed 20,000 mango seedlings to two schools in the region to promote climate-smart farming. These seedlings are intended to conserve the environment and provide economic value to the community, resulting in economically empowered households and a protected environment.
Among other notable successful water infrastructural projects are the Sh 31.5 million Kabuswa dam, Mogotio water pan, Kapkechir dam, and Barkitiew water pan, among others.
