Nyatike: The National Irrigation Authority (NIA) has distributed Sh17 million in compensation cheques to farmers who provided land for the Lower Kuja Irrigation Scheme Project's way-leave. Speaking at the cheque issuance ceremony for 80 farmers from the Nyakweri area in Nyatike Sub County, the Board Chairman, Eng. Gilbert Maluki, revealed that 427 farmers were affected by the way-leave requirement for the scheme.
According to Kenya News Agency, the 80 farmers who received their compensation had withdrawn their court case, facilitating their compensation claims. This compensation marks the first phase, utilizing Sh17 million of the Sh68 million allocated to compensate the 427 affected farmers in the irrigation scheme.
Maluki noted that many affected farmers have expressed willingness to withdraw their cases to expedite compensation. The authority aims to compensate all willing parties before June to ensure the smooth continuation of the project, which seeks to expand the land under irrigation.
The chairman highlighted that the canal's purpose is to boost production in the Kuja irrigation project. Currently, 7,250 acres are under production, with plans to expand to 19,000 acres. A 3.7-kilometre canal has been constructed to add 2,500 acres under production before June.
Samson Okeyo, Chairman of the Lower Kuja Irrigation Scheme, mentioned that the compensation will aid farmers in enhancing agricultural production. He urged those willing to withdraw their cases to do so to facilitate verification and compensation processing. Okeyo also requested government assistance in clearing 1,000 metric tonnes of unsold Gold Rice variety.
Nyatike Member of Parliament Tom Odege emphasized agriculture's critical role in Kenya's economy, noting the unsustainability of rain-fed practices in arid regions. He expressed hopes that the Lower Kuja Irrigation Scheme will transform agricultural opportunities for Nyatike farmers, integrating the region into Kenya's broader agricultural systems and creating local jobs.
Residents Helen Akoth and Lucy Oliech expressed gratitude to the NIA, committing to reinvest their compensation into agriculture for future prosperity.