Turkana: The Department of Agriculture and Land Reclamation in Turkana County, in collaboration with USAID's Strengthening Agricultural Water Innovations (STAWI) program, has officially handed over agricultural projects worth Sh39.5 million to farmers in Loima and Turkana South Sub-Counties. SolarGen has been contracted to oversee the implementation of these projects.
According to Kenya News Agency, the initiatives include two canal linings measuring 1,068 meters and 793 meters in Kangalita and Lojokobwo in Loima Sub-County, as well as the construction of a water conveyor and storage system in Lokwaliwa and Akigeno in Turkana South Sub-County. Director of Agriculture Aaron Nanok emphasized the importance of collaboration between the contractor and the leadership of the Integrated Water Users Association (IWUA) to ensure the project is completed on schedule. "The lining of the canals will minimize water loss through seepage, allowing for the efficient delivery of water for crop production," Nanok said.
The USAID STAWI Team Lead, Job Kitetu, reiterated the importance of quality work and noted that the canal lining is expected to be completed within 56 days. To ensure timely and efficient project delivery, a six-member contract management committee has been established to work closely with the contractor.
County officials present during the handover included Jackson Ewat, Acting Assistant Director of Irrigation and Land Reclamation; Samuel Erumu, Sub-County Agricultural Officer for Turkana South; and Richard Lochipo, Acting Administrator for Lobei/Kotaruk Ward. The USAID STAWI team was represented by Zacheaus Okoth, Water and Environmental Engineer, and Christine Kogo, Procurement Officer.
These projects aim to enhance agricultural productivity by improving water access and management, ultimately benefiting farmers and boosting food security in the region.