STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT MEETING IN SINDO IRRIGATION PROJECT IN HOMA BAY COUNTY

Today, the National Irrigation Authority (NIA) Management team led by the Ag. Director Irrigation Development Services, Eng. Loise Kahiga and Ag. Director, Irrigation Management Services, Eng. Jairus Serede and other officers visited the Sindo Irrigation Project in Suba South Constituency, Homa Bay County to inspect the progress of works and conduct a stakeholder engagement with local leaders, Irrigation Water Users Association (IWUA) leadership, farmers representatives and National Government Administration Officers (NGAOs). The physical works progress is 20% complete and works are ongoing.

The engagement highlighted the importance of community ownership and participation in ensuring the 3,237-acre project’s long-term sustainability. Farmers were encouraged to look beyond production and embrace agribusiness and agro-processing to add value to their produce, increase household income and unlock greater economic opportunities within the region.

The Authority also called upon the farmers to prepare to undertake operation and maintenance of irrigation infrastructure after completion and to protect it from vandalism, which is punishable under the Irrigation Act, 2019 and the Irrigation Regulations, 2021.

Farmers requested for capacity building in technical, agricultural and agribusiness skills, as well as sustained collaboration among NIA, farmers and other stakeholders. The engagement also highlighted the need to strengthen the Irrigation Water Users Association (IWUA) to enhance farmer organisation, participation and scheme governance post construction. 

Being implemented in phases, Suba clusters (Sindo,Rangwena, Olambwe, Nyagitha and Konyango irrigation projects) is expected to increase agricultural production by putting 13,285 acres under irrigation in Homabay and Migori counties, improve livelihoods and stimulate economic growth in the region. 

The team later inspected the progress of Seka Springs water project where they called upon the contractor to ensure its timely implementation. 

NIA remains committed to working with the community and stakeholders to ensure the project delivers lasting benefits, boosting the country’s food basket in line with the Bottom-up Economic Transformation Agenda.