The CS Ministry of Water, Sanitation and Irrigation Mr. Zachariah M. Njeru, EGH inspected the progress of Lower Nzoia Irrigation Project in Siaya and Busia counties on February 2, 2024.He later visited Bunyala Irrigation Scheme.
He was accompanied Siaya County Governor H.E. Hon James Orengo, Busia County Governor H.E. Hon Dr. Paul Otuoma, PS State Department for Irrigation, CPA Ephantus Kimotho, CBS, Ag. Irrigation Secretary Eng. Vincent Kabuti, OGW, Siaya County Commissioner Mr. Kipchumba Rutto County Commissioner Busia among other leaders.
He was received by NIA Chairman of the Board of Directors Eng. Gibert Maluki, CEO, Eng. Charles Muasya, MBS, area MP. Hon Raphael Wanjala and other senior Government officials.
The CS commended the implementation progress of the project and called for speedy completion within the scheduled timeline. He assured farmers that soon they will be able to comfortably grow high-value crops (fruits, vegetables) in 5,000 acres and rice in rotation with soybeans, maize and other legumes in the other 5,000 acres enabled by the gravity water from Lower Nzoia Irrigation Project.
The project covers 10,000 acres with Siaya 2,535 having 6,270 Acres and Busia 3,730 Acres.
Once completed, the project will benefit about 12,600 directly with Siaya County: 8,400 farmers and Busia County: 4,200 farmers. Once in full production, farmers will generate an estimated revenue of Kes 4.8 billion annually.
The overall physical construction progress of Lower Nzoia Irrigation Project Lot 1 is at 70%.
Headworks – 100%: Head works access road – 100%: Main Canal and its associated hydraulic structure – 74%: Main Aqueduct – 100%: Nyadorera Irrigation Management Facilities – 98%: Bunyala Irrigation Management Facilities – 90%: Bunyala Scheme Rehabilitation – 100%: Rehabilitation Bunyala Irrigation Scheme buildings- 96%: Construction of secondary canals-30%: Construction of tertiary canals – 56%
The Project has Improved livelihoods as a result of compensation. Capacity building has been done to 30, 000 farmers on marketing, value addition, management of the irrigation scheme and good Agricultural Practices (GAP).
The project will contribute to increased rice production, enhanced household income and reduce rice import as espoused in the Bottom Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BeTA).