Nairobi: Some 400 residents and pupils of two schools in Barwessa, Baringo County have a reason to smile after the government commissioned a Sh9.8 million water project in the area. Barwessa in Baringo North Sub County is an arid zone, and water shortage has been a problem, with some residents trekking up to 10 kilometres in search of water. They can now access water more easily, thanks to a water kiosk at Barwessa Secondary School, which benefits the school and the nearby community.
According to Kenya News Agency, the project was commissioned by the State Department for Irrigation PS Ephantus Kimotho and Baringo North Member of Parliament Joseph Makilap. The initiative aims to address the water needs of the community and improve food security for students. PS Kimotho highlighted the economic benefits, stating that Barwessa Secondary School can generate food for its needs and sell surplus to generate income through drip irrigation.
Kimotho mentioned that the project significantly reduces the distance residents travel to access water. He plans to work with Environment counterpart Dr. Festus Ng'eno to enlist the school in a carbon credit program, encouraging students to plant and adopt trees, aiding water sustainability by recharging underground water.
The project also aims to impart agricultural skills to students, which they can use after completing their education. The initiative is part of a broader program that began in 2016, targeting 2000 schools in its first phase, with 268 schools already benefiting.
Area MP Joseph Makilap confirmed the potential of the Barwesa irrigation scheme to cover 1000 acres and thanked the government for the micro-irrigation program, which will create job opportunities for residents. The County TSC Director Miriam Kosgei emphasized the importance of addressing water issues in the area and praised the program for imparting farming skills to students.
The Micro Irrigation for School Programme started in 2016 and targets 2000 schools nationwide, implementing 23 projects annually. The program includes sinking a borehole, setting up a community water kiosk, a school water point, and two greenhouses with drip irrigation systems, using solar-powered boreholes to enhance food security, nutrition, and agricultural education.