We welcomed a delegation from the State Department of Water and Irrigation, led by PS Mr. Ephantus Kimotho, alongside representatives from the Japanese government and FAO, headed by Mr. Hamisi Muo.
This meeting follows the visit of His Excellency the President to Migori County last month, where he inaugurated the second phase of the Lower Kuja Irrigation Scheme. Our discussions centered on the strategic utilization of water resources in the lowlands of Nyatike, focusing on the construction of vital water infrastructure such as dams and water pans like Sota and Kaler, while ensuring optimal water flow management through the irrigation canals within the Lower Kuja Irrigation Scheme.
I am delighted to share that progress is underway to address the concerns of farmers impacted by the implementation of the Lower Kuja Irrigation Scheme. The National Irrigation Authority (NIA) has secured the necessary funds for compensation, pending final approval from the National Land Commission (NLC), assuring our affected farmers that their compensation will be expedited in the near future.
In an effort to bolster agricultural productivity, our partnership initiatives will provide farmers with high-quality rice seeds to enhance rice production in Migori County. With the county’s potential to yield over 80,000 metric tons of rice annually, we are actively engaging with the Kenya Trading Corporation (KTC) to establish robust market opportunities for our rice produce. It is imperative that we empower our farmers and safeguard their livelihoods by mitigating exploitative practices by intermediaries who undervalue our agricultural outputs.
H. E Dr. Ochilo G. M Ayacko, EGH
Governor, County Government of Migori.
