Residents of Barwessa ward in Baringo North Sub County have a reason to smile after a Sh586 million dam funded by the African Development Bank (AFDB) was launched in the area to boost irrigated farming.
Governor Benjamin Cheboi speaking at the site, when officially launched the construction of Kaptiony Kiboi footbridge dam, said that the 500,000 cubic metres dam will improve food security and upscale water provisions along the Kerio Valley region.
Cheboi, who was accompanied by area MP Joseph Makilap and MCA Josephat Lokorio stated that upon completion, the dam which is expected to serve more than 10,000 households, will enhance irrigated agriculture in Kiboi and Barwessa schemes, which are yet to reach their full potential in food production.
“This project implemented by the county government in collaboration with AFDB is meant to bring wealth to our residents in areas that we know irrigated farming is doing very well,” he said.
The governor who gave the contractor nine months to finish the project, encouraged the locals to take advantage of the water resource by venturing into serious horticulture and food crop farming to enable them earn sustainable incomes and minimize rampant poverty that has ravaged the region for long.
He stated that once residents embrace irrigated farming, the challenges of conducting harambees to raise fees for their children will be a thing of the past since they will make money from agriculture.
At the same time, Cheboi said that his administration will support farmers through distribution of certified mango and avocado seedlings, even as they make an effort to purchase high quality seeds from Kenya Seed to get good returns.
Makilap in his remarks urged residents to make good use of runoff water, which for a long time has been turning to flush floods that ravage their farms.
The MP noted that the area is known for planting mangoes, onions, water melons, potatoes and bananas which should be embraced by farmers.
He urged the contractor to recruit youth from the area to do non-skilled work during the construction of the dam which is set to commence immediately.
By Benson Kelio and Joshua Kibet
