PRINCIPAL SECRETARY INSPECTS BURA IRRIGATION SCHEME TO ACCELERATE COMMERCIALIZATION AND INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT

Today, the Principal Secretary, State Department for Irrigation, CPA Ephantus Kimotho CBS, conducted an inspection tour of the Bura Irrigation Scheme in Tana River County.

He was accompanied by the National Irrigation Authority (NIA) CEO, Eng. Charles Muasya, Bura Constituency Member of Parliament Hon. Yakub Adow Kuno, officers from the Ministry of Lands and Physical Planning, State Department for Irrigation (SDI), National Irrigation Authority (NIA), Government Administration Officers (NGAO), other senior government officials and local leaders.

During the visit, the Principal Secretary held a stakeholder consultative meeting with members of the community and local leaders on the commercialization of the Bura Irrigation Scheme. The engagement provided a platform for stakeholders to build consensus on sustainable solutions and chart a clear roadmap for the revitalization and expansion of the scheme, including irrigation infrastructure development and supportive resources.

The PS also inspected preparatory works for the construction of two bridges at Village 2 and Village 6, which are expected to greatly improve the movement of produce from the irrigation scheme to the market, thereby promoting economic growth for the farmers and surrounding communities.

Additionally, the PS oversaw the issuance of Green Cards to locals. During the issuance, he stated that the Green Cards will promote economic security and empower residents with structured land ownership in the larger Bura Irrigation Scheme.

The tour underscored the government’s commitment to addressing implementation challenges, enhancing infrastructure, and unlocking the full economic potential of the scheme for improved food security and livelihoods in the region.

The Authority is committed to ensuring maximum utilization of the Bura gravity water for food production as envisioned in the Bottom Up Economic Transformation Agenda ( BeTA).