JICA DISCUSSION WITH THE STATE DEPARMENT FOR IRRIGATION AND VISIT BY THE GOVERNOR AND DEPUTY GOVERNOR, MANDERA COUNTY.

Today, the National Irrigation Authority (NIA) hosted a delegation from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) for a discussion on their continued support towards the Ahero Irrigation Project in Kisumu County.

The meeting was chaired by the Principal Secretary, State Department for Irrigation, CPA Ephantus Kimotho, CBS. He was joined by the National Irrigation Authority CEO Eng. Charles Muasya, MBS and other senior officials from the Authority and State Department for Irrigation.

The Ahero Irrigation Scheme, together with its expansion area, is the largest rice-producing scheme in Western Kenya and plays a vital role in positioning the region as food production hub. With national rice demand growing at an annual rate of 12% and domestic production lagging behind, expanding irrigated rice production is critical. Kenya has set a target of accelerating expansion of area under rice production.

The Authority has prioritized rehabilitation and expansion of Ahero Irrigation Scheme irrigation facilities to enhance its productivity while constructing dykes along the Nyando River to mitigate flood risks.

The collaboration with JICA is also expected to increase farmer incomes, employment opportunities, and demand for agricultural machinery and related services and lower labor costs for water management and facility maintenance.

Through such collaborative efforts, the National Irrigation Authority remains committed to enhancing food security and improving livelihoods across the country in line with the Bottom-up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA).

Later in the afternoon, the Chief Executive Officer hosted the Governor Mandera County, H.E Mohamed Adan Khalif accompanied by his Deputy, H.E Dr. Ali Maalim Mohamud.

During the Meeting, they discussed areas of collaboration between the Authority and Mandera County.

They agreed on enhancing irrigation and water harvesting in the county to harness surface runoff and support irrigated agriculture in the county. Subsequent meetings will be held to implement the prioritized projects and enhance food security in the county.