Nairobi: The County Government of Turkana has announced plans to establish a County Irrigation Development Unit (CIDU) within the current financial year, aimed at accelerating agricultural production through expanded irrigation. This development was revealed at a sensitization workshop held in Lokichar, organized by the Department of Agriculture and Land Reclamation.
According to Kenya News Agency, the workshop was attended by key figures including County Secretary Dr. Richard Ekai, Turkana County Public Service Board (TCPSB) Chair Peter Ekunyuk, experts from the State Department of Irrigation, members of the County Assembly, and representatives from the Office of the County Attorney. The proposed CIDU is expected to oversee small-scale irrigation schemes and county-led public irrigation initiatives in compliance with the Irrigation Act of 2019, thereby reinforcing food security by standardizing irrigation efforts across the county.
Dr. Ekai highlighted the significance of food security in socio-economic development, suggesting that stable food systems can alleviate pressure on health sectors by reducing the occurrence of preventable conditions. The TCPSB Chair, Peter Ekunyuk, emphasized the board’s support for the CIDU initiative, considering it a vital milestone for local farmers.
David Maraka, the County Chief Officer for Agriculture and Land Reclamation, underscored CIDU’s strategic importance, noting that it is now essential for counties to secure funding from the National Government and development partners. He urged the swift establishment of CIDU as a fully functional department and lauded the State Department of Irrigation for facilitating the sensitization process, supported by the Council of Governors.
Hon. Gilbert Topos, Deputy Speaker and member of the Assembly’s Agriculture Committee, expressed optimism that CIDU would enable Turkana to utilize water harvesting systems to enhance food production and lessen reliance on rain-fed agriculture. The State Department for Irrigation has pledged technical guidance and collaboration with the Office of the County Attorney to ensure CIDU’s establishment adheres to legal and technical standards.
Other notable attendees included Richard Lokoyan, Director of Irrigation and Land Reclamation; Jackson Ewat, Deputy Director of Irrigation and Land Reclamation; Josephine Emase, Deputy Director of Livestock Production; Joyce Elimu, Legal Officer from the Office of the County Attorney; members of the National Panel of Experts; and several Members of the County Assembly.
