Background Information

Perkerra Irrigation Scheme is situated 100 Kms North of Nakuru near Marigat Township in Baringo South Sub-County. Its construction started in 1954 after several feasibility studies, including the last in 1936, showed the Njemps plains were suitable for irrigation. The construction did not start in 1936 as expected due to lack of funds until the declaration of “state of emergency” in 1952 that saw the Mau Mau detainees held in Marigat made to start working on the site as a form of punishment.

It derives its name from the River Perkerra, which is the source of irrigation water and the only permanent river in the region.

Current Status

The NIA has designed the proposed Radat Dam that will hold more than 120 million cubic metres of water. Its construction will, among other benefits and goals, help to step up the expansion of Perkerra Irrigation Scheme from the current 2,750 acres to more than 50,000 acres.

Crop Acreage Growth Stage Approx. yield, Kg Price Kes Expected Income Kes Marketer
Maize seed 135 Maturity 270,000 66 17,820,000 Monsanto
Green Grams 420 Harvesting 270,000 66 17,820,000 Monsanto
Beans 90 Flowering 32,400 100 3,240,000 Sim law seeds
Cow peas 55 Flowering 19,800 120 2,376,000 Sim law seeds
Sorghum 100 Harvesting 135,000 45 6,075,000 Kenya Seed Co. Ltd
Total 800 56,727,000

Statistical Data

  • Location/County – Baringo County
  • Year of establishment – 1954
  • Gazetted Area – 5,800 Acres
  • Main Crop – Seed Maize
  • Other Crops – Horticultural crops
  • Area under Irrigation – 2,750 Acres
  • Source of irrigation water – River Perkerra
  • No. of household farmers – 1,625 Households
  • Type of irrigation – Gravity fed open earth channel conveyance with open furrow application system
  • Other Crops – Green grams, Okra, Cowpeas, Watermelon, onions, Vegetables

Projected Benefits/ Benefits being realized

Perkerra Irrigation scheme has brought a lot of benefits to the local community, Marigat town, baringo County and the Country at large, and they are as follows:

  • Enhanced food security
  • Provided access to water by households and livestock.
  • Improved the livelihoods of farmers in the community.
  • Created employment opportunities.