The National Government, through the Ministry of Water, Sanitation, and Irrigation, has put in place flood control measures in Trans Nzoia County, which will, among other activities, see the construction of more dykes along River Sabwani.
The implementation of the measures, which will be achieved in collaboration with the National Water Harvest and Storage Authority (NWHSA), will, to a greater extent, help avert the effects of floods in the region.
Speaking while on an inspection tour of River Sabwani flood control works, Cabinet Secretary Ministry of Water, Sanitation, and Irrigation Eric Mugaa noted that since flood mitigation measures along River Sabwani were launched in 2017, NWHSA has helped families living along the River to reclaim more land for agricultural activities.
He informed that the reclamation, which has since cost the government close to Sh40 million, has led to increased food productivity, giving a reason why the government has the intention of stepping up more efforts.
The CS urged the youth to take advantage of the reclaimed land to embrace agribusiness, which he explained will help to tackle food insecurity and address the challenge of unemployment.
“Let us support the NWHSA to help us achieve our dreams through the construction of more dykes. Cooperation of all stakeholders is essential for the success of the exercise to begin soon with the construction of 0.25 km dykes,” he said.
However, he warned residents to refrain from cultivating along dyke embankments as it causes destruction of already constructed dykes.
Urging contractors to do a professional job to help the public realize value for their money, Mugaa warned those out to do a shoddy job stressing that payments will only be done upon completing the required works after being cleared.
“I urge contractors at NWHSA and supervising government agencies to do decent work where Trans Nzoia residents will appreciate value for the money,” he said.
The CS revealed the government will set aside Sh 15 M in the 2025/26 Financial Year for preliminary design and construction of the additional 0.25km dyke.
CS Mugaa assured residents of Kwanza and Endebess that the Kiptogot-Kolongolo last mile water connectivity project will ensure there is enough water in every household once the project is completed.
By Isaiah Nayika and Elvis Nalua