Farmers protest against theft of equipment at Perkerra Irrigation Scheme for sale as scrap metal

Farmers have raised complaints over the theft of metal valves and water intake apparatus, causing some farms to flood while others run dry.

The situation has led to conflict among farmers and threatened food production.

“This is a disaster,” said Perkerra Irrigation Board Manager Daniel Waweru.

The scheme, which was established in 1954, has been under attack by gangs who lurk at night and sell the equipment to Marigat metal dealers.

Baringo South MP Charles Kamuren called for the reinstatement of the ban on the trade in scrap metal.

“We cannot allow the projects to be destroyed by criminals,” he said.

The government has been called on to take urgent action to prevent the collapse of the scheme.