Turkana County residents have called on the government to address insecurity for the success of a proposed mega irrigation project.
The initial phase will see 1,000 acres of land along the Turkana and West Pokot counties’ boundaries put under irrigation.
The residents of Kainuk in Turkana County engaged in discussions during a public participation forum, following a similar meeting in West Pokot County.
Cabinet Secretary of the East Africa Community, Regional Development Authorities and Arid and Semi-Arid Lands Beatrice Askul led the meeting attended by leaders from both counties’ security teams.
Those who spoke during the meeting particularly rooted for disarmament to mop up illegal firearms in the hands of civilians.
Turkana Governor Jeremiah Lomorukai lashed out at leaders, accusing them of inciting residents to violence.
“There are some leaders who fly from one area to another inciting residents. They must be brought to book,” said Lomorukai.
He further decried the destruction of public infrastructure like schools, which have contributed to underdevelopment.
CS Askul said leaders must sit down in an appropriate forum to ensure lasting peace is achieved. She added that residents and leaders need to engage in the identification of crop farming areas and grazing land to prevent future disputes once the project commences.
She allayed fears of delays in the implementation of the project, saying public participation could not be overlooked because it is a constitutional requirement.
Katilu resident Apangole Lodio welcomed the project, saying it would help address food insecurity in the region.
Another resident of Aroo sub-county, Margaret Eros Sarkal, said the project will help address malnutrition among children.
The farms will also reduce cases of women dying during childbirth due to poor health like anaemia, she said.
According to Kerio Valley Development Authority Chairman Mark Chesergon, the project which was first mooted in 1992 seeks to develop a multipurpose project including water storage, hydropower, utilisation of powerhouse releases for irrigation, and supply of water for human and livestock consumption.
It also aims at environmental conservation, fisheries and tourist development.
KVDA Acting Managing Director Moses Kipchumba said the multipurpose project will utilise 1.6 billion cubic metres of water available at Turkwel for irrigation.
Kipchumba said feasibility studies had shown that the area has the potential to irrigate up to 30,000 acres of land.
Public participation is important because it will help the residents to understand the benefits of the project as well as allow them to raise their concerns, he said.
By Peter Gitonga
