More than 200 widows in Kibiri Ward, Karachuonyo Constituency, are set to benefit from improved farming opportunities after receiving irrigation equipment to enhance food production.
The equipment, donated to the Nyikoma and Chako Tek self-help groups, included two water pumps and two generators.
The support is expected to ease the impacts of water shortage that has affected agricultural activities in the area.
Speaking during the handover at Kadel Trading Centre, Kennedy Ongati, the Kibiri Ward Member of County Assembly aspirant said the initiative was part of ongoing efforts to economically empower vulnerable women through agriculture.
Ongati, who is also the county UDA Organizing Secretary, said he has been engaging widows’ groups across the ward and that he had already met 22 groups to understand their needs and support their income-generating activities.
He explained that the two beneficiary groups had requested irrigation pumps to help them draw water from nearby rivers for farming, a request he pledged to fulfill.
“The irrigation pumps will enable the groups to increase agricultural production, improve their incomes and support their families through sustainable farming,” he said.
He urged leaders to work together in supporting vulnerable members of society, saying collective efforts are essential in improving livelihoods and promoting inclusive development
The beneficiaries welcomed the donation, saying it would significantly ease irrigation challenges that have affected crop production.
Chako Tek CBO, has 65 members comprising widows and other vulnerable women.The group’s Chairperson, Tabitha Dudi said members mainly grow sukuma wiki (kale), onions, tomatoes, and other vegetables but have struggled to transport water manually from the river to their farms.
She noted that the group had earlier received Sh20,000 from Ongati, which was used to purchase irrigation pipes, but lacked the equipment needed to pump water.
“The irrigation equipment will make our work much easier. We expect better harvests, increased sales and higher incomes that will enable us to improve the welfare of our families and expand our farming activities,” Dudi said.
She noted reliable access to irrigation will also enhance their economic independence as women.
By Sitna Omar
