A Sh1.7 billion irrigation project has been launched in Suba South Constituency, Homa Bay County, in a major push to boost agricultural productivity, food security and economic opportunities for local communities.
The project, being implemented by the Ministry of Water and Irrigation through the National Irrigation Authority (NIA), is expected to promote sustainable agriculture through modern irrigation technologies, including drip irrigation.
The initiative is designed to benefit farmers across three clusters, Suba, Ndhiwa and Homa Bay, with a focus on horticultural and food crop production for both domestic consumption and commercial purposes.
Speaking in Sindo, Young International Group Limited Managing Director and contractor, David Riogi said his company had been tasked by NIA to undertake the project.
He said the works would include installation of a pumping system to draw water from the river and construction of a sedimentation tank to help channel and manage the water before it is supplied to farms.
“The project will take two years, but we will do our best to complete it within a year,” Riogi said.
He said the project had been designed to be cost-effective and sustainable by making use of existing designs and technologies.
The irrigation scheme is expected to create income-generating activities, improve agricultural productivity and open up economic opportunities for residents in the region.
Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi said the project was part of efforts by the Government to stimulate rural economies by investing in productive economic activities rather than direct handouts.
Mbadi said the Government was starting with the Suba cluster while plans were also underway to include the Ndhiwa cluster.
He said efforts were also being made to revive the Oluch-Kimira irrigation scheme, which has faced challenges in achieving full community uptake and productivity.
Mbadi said irrigation projects offered an opportunity to increase the value generated from agricultural land and create employment, particularly for young people facing limited job opportunities.
“The only way to put money in your pocket is to bring a project like this,” he said, urging residents to take advantage of the opportunities that would be created once the scheme becomes operational.
He said farmers in the project’s coverage area would be able to generate significantly higher returns from an acre of land compared to traditional farming methods.
“The project will support the cultivation of a variety of crops, including horticultural crops and edible oil crops such as sunflower,” said the CS.
Mbadi also cited geopolitical disruptions and global economic uncertainties as factors affecting employment and economic activities, saying local agricultural investments could help communities build more resilient livelihoods.
He urged residents, particularly young people, to embrace agriculture as a viable source of income and economic empowerment.
Senator Moses Kajwang welcomed the project, saying it would benefit several parts of Homa Bay County.
Kajwang said the irrigation programme would extend beyond the Gingo Beach area in Suba South, to other locations.He said Ndhiwa was also expected to benefit from the irrigation programme.
The senator pointed that lessons should be drawn from the challenges experienced at the Oluch-Kimira irrigation scheme, particularly regarding community participation and ownership.
“Although the community had gradually embraced the scheme, it took a long time for residents to fully benefit from it,” he noted.
Kajwang’ stressed the importance of involving local communities from the beginning to ensure that the new project achieves its intended objectives.
The project is expected to cover parts of both Suba South and Suba North constituencies, with food crop production forming an important component of the scheme as the Government seeks to strengthen food security.
The officials said continued support from the Government and other stakeholders, as well as active community participation, would be critical to the success and sustainability of the project.
By Sitna Omar
