Firm puts employees on contracts as it eyes to boost agricultural production

Lake Basin Development Authority (LBDA) Chairman Odoyo Owidi flanked by other board members addresses press on April 04,2019. [Photo: Denish Ochieng/ Standard]

Lake Basin Development Authority (LBDA) has put all senior management employees on a three-year contract. 

The agency's directors are also on contract.

Managing Director Raymond Omollo said the administrative changes are aimed at turning around the fortunes of the authority and aligning its policies with the Big Four agenda.

"We want each and every senior management employee including regional managers to prove their value at the authority. They will sign fresh contracts,'' said Dr Omollo.

The resolution to put the LBDA top management on contract was sanctioned by the new board of directors led by chairman Calvince Owidi.

''We want to transform LBDA into a profit making entity and this is why a part from the contract measures we are also reviewing a number of work policies,'' said Omollo.

He said they were in discussions with various partners and donors on how to improve agricultural production.

Omollo encouraged farmers in the region to diversify and grow fast maturing crops resistant to drought.

''Strengthening and improving performance of the agricultural sector and enabling the engagement of the most vulnerable in this process is therefore LBDA's top concern,'' he said.

He reiterated te agency's resolve to support farmers in the area to improve the county’s agricultural sector and to ensure food security.

Omollo also said they had set aside funds this financial year for crop research to identify varieties suitable for the region.

"We have also finalised plans to train farmers to adopt solar irrigation technologies," he said.

Solar irrigation can increase incomes dramatically, particularly for remote farmers or producers with inconsistent access to electricity or fuel.

Most farmers within the basin have been looking into alternative sources of water for their crops, like rivers and boreholes.