The Principal Secretary, State Department for Irrigation Mr. Ephantus Kimotho took a familiarization tour of National Water Harvesting & Storage Authority (NWHSA) today. The PS met with management and staff where he emphasized the need to work as a team in the state department while focusing on one goal of achieving food security through irrigation.
The PS said there is need to do more research on how to mitigate the effects of climate change through flood control and drought mitigation. He added that the Authority should ensure the design and planning of new projects incorporates micro irrigation programs which can serve communities and institutions such as schools.
Micro irrigation is a modern method of irrigation which uses low pressure and delivers water slowly to the farm or canals hence farmers use less water and the water is directed to the root zone of the crops. The system is gaining popularity due to its low cost and water-efficiency. Examples of micro irrigation systems include drip, sprinkler, spray, subsurface and bubbler irrigation.
Mr. David Yatich, Secretary Administration and Director Representing the PS in the Authority’s Board urged staff and management to work as a team so as to implement the Authority’s mandate effectively. He added that implementation of projects should be done as per the Executive Order number one of 2023 on re-organization of government where the Authority is domiciled under the State Department for Irrigation.
The PS was accompanied by the Secretary Administration who is also the Director Representing the PS in the Authority’ Board Mr. David Yatich, Director Irrigation Eng. Bernard Onyango, Deputy Director Planning Mr. Daniel Odero and PA to the PS Mr. Stephen Nyaga.
The Authority’s Ag. Chief Executive Officer Eng. John Muhia welcomed the PS and his team where he briefed them on the Authority’s Mandate, projects, Strategic pillars and objectives, challenges and way forward. Eng. Muhia pointed out that the Authority has great potential through skilled Human Resource hence, he asked the Ministry to support it through increased budget to ensure timely completion of projects.
The Authority’s Strategic objectives include to increase water storage in the country by 148.6 million cubic meters by the year 2026 and enhance sustainability of constructed water structures through operations and maintenance.
