Gov't moves to harness excess Lake Baringo, Bogoria water for irrigation

The government has stepped up efforts to develop a major water management and irrigation project seeking to harness excess water from the Lake Baringo–Lake Bogoria basin for agricultural production.

Irrigation Principal Secretary Ephantus Kimotho Kimani on Tuesday held talks with his Defence counterpart Dr. Patrick Mariru at the ministry headquarters to review findings from recent technical assessments and discuss the next steps towards implementing the proposed project.

The meeting followed a series of consultations, technical engagements and a joint site visit by officials from the two State Departments to assess rising water levels in the two lakes and explore ways of safely managing the excess water for productive use.

Preliminary assessments indicate that excess water could potentially be evacuated from affected areas through appropriate infrastructure and conveyed to areas with potential for irrigation development.

The joint site assessment examined the terrain, existing water systems and possible routes for water evacuation and conveyance.

The findings are now being used to guide feasibility discussions on how the water could be utilised to support irrigation in Baringo and neighbouring areas.

The proposed project is expected to support both large-scale and community-based irrigation schemes, increasing the acreage under irrigation and reducing farmers' reliance on rain-fed agriculture.

The State department said the next phase will focus on mobilising resources to undertake detailed feasibility studies, hydrological and environmental assessments, engineering designs, land and irrigation suitability assessments, as well as the development of water conveyance and distribution infrastructure.

The State Department for Irrigation will lead the irrigation component, including identifying potential command areas, determining irrigation water requirements and assessing crops and agricultural value chains that could be supported by the project.

If implemented, the initiative could increase food and high-value crop production, create employment and improve household incomes while contributing to Kenya's food security.

The government also sees the project as a way of turning the water-related challenges affecting the region into an economic opportunity by providing a more reliable source of water for agriculture.

The collaboration between the State Department for Irrigation and the Ministry of Defence is expected to be critical given the scale and technical complexity of the proposed water evacuation and conveyance infrastructure.

The partnership brings together expertise in irrigation development, water management, engineering, logistics and infrastructure implementation.

The government said it will continue engaging national agencies, development partners, private-sector investors and other stakeholders to mobilise the resources needed to move the project from the assessment stage to implementation.

Officials said priority will be given to solutions that are technically feasible, environmentally sustainable and beneficial to communities, with the project expected to support the Government's broader agenda of expanding irrigation, enhancing water security, strengthening climate resilience and boosting agricultural productivity.