During the inspection tour of River Sabwani flood control project, Water Cabinet Secretary Eng. Eric Mugaa noted that National Water Authority has constructed 1.8 kilometers of dykes along River Sabwani. This has protected over 400 families and over 1000 acres of land that farmers now do various farm activities hence improved livelihoods.
The CS appreciated the critical role that the dykes along River Sabwani play in protecting lives, property, farms and other infrastructure.
Members of the community thanked National Water for the great works on the dyke saying they are now able to continue with their farming activities without disruption. They however, urged the Authority to extend the dyke so as to cover downstream and tame water from River Chemususu.
CS Mugaa urged the community to be patient as the Government works on the flood control systems in phases due to budgetary constraints. He urged members of the community to protect the dykes and avoid planting trees along the embankments of the dykes as this will destroy the dyke and waste public resources.
Eng. Mugaa reiterated the agricultural potential of Trans-Nzoia County especially through irrigation. “The Ministry through the State Department for Irrigation targets to put 1.2 million acres of land under irrigation by 2030. Currently, Irrigated land is at 776,000 acres.
River Sabwani flood control is located in Trans-Nzoia County. The river falls within the River Nzoia drainage basin located in western Kenya and has its headwaters in the Cherangany’ hills, with tributaries from Mount Elgon, and flows into Lake Victoria just north of Yala Swamp. The Nzoia catchment has an area of 12 ,700 km2 which lies in an agriculturally productive area of Kenya, the main crops being cotton, maize and sugar cane.
Demand for irrigation water is highest during the dry season and irrigation is carried out on a small to medium scale within the area.
The CS was accompanied by the County Commissioner Mr. Gideon Oyagi, Authority’s Chairman CPA Symon Kimaru, Directors Kipseng’eret Koros, Benjamin Mwololo, Symon Ngugi and Rogers Chepkwony’. Also present was the Authority’s Ag. CEO Eng. Julius Mugun, area MCA the Administration officials, and residents of Namanjalala.