Kenya’s Deputy President William Ruto criticised over Sh7 billion irrigation project

DP William Ruto and farmers during the launch of the 10,000-acre Lower Nzoia Irrigation Project (PHOTO: Courtesy)

Ugunja MP James Opiyo Wandayi has criticised Deputy President William Ruto for commissioning Lower Nzoia Irrigation project without consulting Siaya County MPs.

The project cuts across, Ugenya, Ugunja and Alego Usonga sub-counties in Siaya County and Budalangi in Busia county.

Wandayi who was speaking in Ugenya constituency during a fundraiser raised concerns that the project is going to displace several residents of those three sub-counties who are yet to be compensated.

He claimed that the leaders of Siaya County were not consulted yet they are the representatives of residents who may be affected. 

The Sh5.3 billion irrigation projects at the Lower Nzoia Scheme was set to kick off in October 2018.

The project funded by the World Bank is to be implemented in two phases and will involve the construction of dykes.

The first phase of the irrigation project will be done on 10,000 acres of land and the irrigation component of the project will cost Sh3.8 billion while the rehabilitation of dykes will cost Sh1.4 billion.

The project was set to be a fully-fledged agribusiness venture with production and value addition

50 percent of the land at the Lower Nzoia was to be used for rice production, vegetables, fruits, and spices. 

The irrigation project which was conceptualized in 2008 has delayed for several years due to issues of land compensation and rehabilitation of dykes which was roped in late.

"We will not accept this because it will displace a lot of our people. As we speak, a majority of them are yet to be compensated. Together with my counterparts, MPs David Ochieng and Sam Atandi, we will hold consultative meetings to seek a way forward, “said Wandayi.

The MP asked the National government through the National Irrigation Board (NIB) to compensate the people whose parcels of land will be affected by the Lower Nzoia Irrigation scheme.

On Friday last week, the Deputy President toured Western Kenya where he launched the Sh7 billion lower Nzoia irrigation project.

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

According to the National Irrigation Board, some preliminary works are already ongoing.