DP Ruto tours Western, launches Sh7b water project

Deputy President William Ruto (in cap) and local leaders plant rice in Budalang’i yesterday. [Duncan Ocholla, Standard]

Deputy President William Ruto yesterday toured Western Kenya where he launched the Sh7 billion Lower Nzoia Irrigation Project.

The multi-billion shilling project will help address perennial floods in Budalang’i and promote irrigation farming.

Dr Ruto said the current acreage of 2,000 under the project will be increased to 10,000 with a view of producing enough food to serve the entire region.  

At least 34km of dykes will be constructed besides River Nzoia to prevent it from bursting its banks and discharging water which would wreak havoc on farms and homes. Ruto urged locals to embrace the project, projected to benefit at least 60,000 people from Busia and Siaya counties.  The DP, who steered clear of politics, said it was time to deliver services to the people. He said a weir is going to be constructed to regulate water coming into River Nzoia from other rivers outside the county.  “Our main objective is to create a source of income for our people and address the perennial floods in Budalang’i,” said Ruto.  He promised rice farmers in Budalang’i a rice mill at the Bunyala Irrigation Scheme. “Food security is one of our Big Four agendas and we are committed to ensuring that we have sufficient food and farmers get money,” said Ruto.  

Water Cabinet Secretary Simon Chelugui said his ministry had deposited some Sh450 million to the National Lands Commission account, to be used for compensation for lands acquired for establishment of the Lower Nzoia Irrigation Project.

Busia governor Sospeter Ojaamong said the county will work closely with the national government to ensure the Lower Nzoia Irrigation Project is successfully completed.