BUDALANG’I: The second phase of the Lower Nzoia Irrigation Project is poised to commence soon, marking a significant step in Kenya’s efforts to mitigate its rice deficit. Ephantus Kimotho, the principal secretary for irrigation, confirmed that the multi-billion shilling initiative will expand irrigation to 7,500 acres over an eight-month construction period.
According to Kenya News Agency, Kimotho emphasized the project’s potential to substantially reduce the country’s current rice shortfall of 700,000 metric tons. He noted that the Lower Nzoia initiative, alongside other irrigation projects in the Nyanza and western regions, is expected to contribute 30% towards bridging this gap. Collaboration between national and county governments will be crucial to the project’s success, with Kimotho urging local governments to mobilize their extension workers to support farmers.
Raphael Wanjala, the Budalang’i member of parliament, advocated for the rapid completion of the project, highlighting its importance for rice
farmers in Bunyala. He pointed out that the project would allow farmers to access water through gravity rather than relying on costly electric pumps. Wanjala also pressed for the inclusion of a rice mill in the second phase, which would alleviate the burden on farmers who currently transport their harvests to Kisumu for processing. He further recommended the installation of additional drying facilities to complement the existing one at the Bunyala irrigation scheme headquarters.
Busia County Secretary Oscar Juma, representing Governor Paul Otuoma, affirmed the county government’s readiness to collaborate with national authorities and other stakeholders. Juma echoed the need for a local rice mill and additional drying infrastructure, citing recent challenges with aflatoxin in the county’s school feeding program that depends on rice from the scheme.
