Uasin Gishu: Gov't irrigation scheme to generate Ksh.70M annually, benefit over 700 households

A government-funded irrigation project in Uasin Gishu County is expected to generate about Ksh.70 million annually from agricultural production while directly benefiting more than 700 households, in a move aimed at boosting food security and improving farmers' incomes.

The Lower Sabor Irrigation Scheme in Moiben Constituency has been completed and is now operational, with 280 acres placed under irrigation and about 3,000 more people expected to benefit indirectly through opportunities created along the agricultural value chain.

State House Chief of Staff and Head of Public Service Felix Koskei, while accompanied by National Treasury Principal Secretary Chris Kiptoo, toured the project on Friday during a Farmers' Expo hosted by Irrigation Principal Secretary Ephantus Kimotho.

The delegation visited exhibition stands where farmers showcased produce grown under the irrigation scheme, highlighting the impact of government investment in expanding irrigated agriculture.

Constructed for Ksh.288.6 million, the project draws water from the Chepkoilel River and comprises intake works, a sedimentation tank, access roads and more than 30 kilometres of main, sub-main and distribution pipelines, as well as individual farmer pipe connections to support year-round farming.

The scheme supports the cultivation of coffee, potatoes, onions, tomatoes, avocados, passion fruits, kales, cabbages and other high-value horticultural crops, enabling farmers to diversify production, increase household incomes and access both local and export markets.

Government officials said the project is also expected to support value addition and increase foreign exchange earnings through horticultural exports while strengthening the country's food security.

The visit reaffirmed the government's commitment to expanding irrigation infrastructure under the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA) as part of efforts to increase agricultural productivity, create jobs and build climate-resilient farming systems.

Also present were Deputy Head of Public Service Amos Gathecha, Environment and Climate Change Principal Secretary Festus Ng'eno, Basic Education Principal Secretary John Ololtuaa, Forestry Principal Secretary Mugambi Gitonga, National Irrigation Authority Chief Executive Officer Charles Muasya, and other national and county government officials.