Construction of 5km dyke between lakes Bogoria, Baringo to create 100K jobs, generate Ksh.40B

The government has unveiled an ambitious plan to construct a five-kilometre dyke between Lakes Bogoria and Baringo and channel excess freshwater from Lake Baringo for irrigation, in a project it says could create 100,000 jobs and generate an estimated Ksh.40 billion for the economy.

The proposal, which is currently undergoing public participation in Baringo County, is being spearheaded jointly by the State Departments for Irrigation and Defence as part of efforts to address the impact of rising lake water levels linked to climate change.

Irrigation Principal Secretary Ephantus Kimotho and his Defence counterpart Patrick Mariru on Tuesday toured Lakes Bogoria and Baringo before engaging residents on the planned intervention.

The project seeks to prevent the saline waters of Lake Bogoria from mixing with the freshwater of Lake Baringo by constructing a five-kilometre dyke.

It also proposes evacuating excess water from Lake Baringo through engineered tunnels into a network of canals to irrigate about 100,000 acres in Baringo and potentially Turkana counties under a private sector investment model.

Speaking during the public participation forum, Kimotho said technical studies had established that only excess water would be diverted from Lake Baringo, with measures put in place to preserve the lake's ecological balance.

"Technical studies have confirmed that only excess water from Lake Baringo will be abstracted, ensuring the lake's natural level is maintained while safeguarding its unique freshwater ecosystem," said Kimotho.

He said communities in Tiaty would be the first beneficiaries of the irrigation project before the surplus water is extended downstream to support commercial farming.

According to the PS, the project is expected to transform the region's economy by creating about 100,000 direct and indirect jobs, supporting agro-processing industries and boosting food production.

"The project has the potential to create about 100,000 direct and indirect jobs, strengthen agro-processing, unlock the agricultural potential of the region, enhance climate resilience and significantly contribute to Kenya's food and nutrition security," he said.

PS Mariru said President William Ruto had directed the Ministries of Defence and Irrigation, alongside other government agencies, to develop long-term engineering solutions to stop Lakes Baringo and Bogoria from merging.

Mariru noted that the collaboration would leverage engineering expertise and technical capacity to protect communities, livelihoods and ecosystems from the effects of rising lake water levels.

Tiaty MP William Kamket welcomed the proposal, saying it would help address the effects of climate change while opening up opportunities for irrigation, commercial agriculture and investment in Baringo County.

Consequently, PS Kimotho urged local residents to support the initiative throughout its implementation, saying the project is intended to provide a lasting solution to rising water levels while transforming the region into a major agricultural production zone.