Netherlands to Support Migori County’s Campaign Against Female Genital MutilationTurkana South Sub-County Launches 100-Acre Irrigation Project to Boost Farming

MIGORI, Kenya — The Dutch government has pledged to bolster Migori County’s ongoing efforts to eradicate Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), enhancing the fight against the practice that infringes upon women’s rights. Dutch Ambassador to Kenya, Mr. Maarten Brouwer, announced this commitment during a visit with Migori County Governor Ochillo Ayacko.

According to Kenya News Agency, the partnership will involve collaboration between the Dutch government, the European Union (EU), and other associated partners to mobilize resources and support Migori in combating FGM. Brouwer highlighted the importance of equality and the protection of women’s health as crucial elements in this initiative. In addition to addressing FGM, the Dutch embassy plans to engage with the county on green energy projects, focusing on solar power as a sustainable and clean energy source.

Brouwer also pointed out the strategic position of Migori County in benefiting from the East African Community integration, particularly through the development of the Isebania Sirare border post, funded by the EU. This initiative is expected to facilitate smoother movement between countries and promote free trade within the region.

Governor Ayacko expressed his gratitude for the support and indicated that Migori would collaborate with the Dutch in various sectors, including agriculture, livestock, fisheries, and the blue economy, to foster socio-economic development in the county. This partnership aims to improve the living standards of residents and contribute to the region’s overall progress.

The announcement follows a recent visit by EU Ambassador Mrs. Henriette Geiger and ambassadors from Poland, Austria, Germany, and Sweden, who explored opportunities in Migori related to agriculture, livestock, the blue economy, and mining.

KATILU, Kenya — In a significant development aimed at bolstering agricultural output, approximately 400 farmers in Katilu, located in Turkana South Sub-County, are set to benefit from a newly rehabilitated 100-acre irrigation project. The initiative, undertaken by the County Government through the Department of Agriculture and Land Reclamation, aims to increase food production and support the region’s food security agenda.

According to Kenya News Agency, Jane Rose Tioko, the project was declared complete following an inspection tour, which confirmed that all contractual requirements had been fulfilled. The project’s primary goal is to enhance local farmers’ ability to produce food, with an emphasis on contributing to the county’s target of producing 300,000 bags of cereals.

The completed irrigation scheme includes significant improvements such as bush clearing along the main and sub-main canal corridors, construction of earth-lined compacted canals, ten division boxes with sluice gates, and five bridges. The county government plans to officially hand over the project to the local farming community after final inspections.

Tioko informed that in addition to the infrastructural upgrades, the county would provide farmers with training on best farming practices and distribute seeds and pesticides to maximize the benefits of the irrigation project. She also encouraged the farmers to consider groundnut cultivation, citing high market demand for quality nuts.

Highlighting the essential role of irrigation in achieving food security, the CCO announced that the Governor would soon commission the official handover of the project to the community. Meanwhile, Sammy Erumu, the Sub-county Agricultural Officer, addressed the challenge posed by the invasive prosopis plant, known locally as Mathenge, which threatens arable land. He called on farmers to aid the department in clearing the invasive species and to prevent livestock from entering the scheme area, ensuring the project’s sustainability and effectiveness.

The handover ceremony is anticipated to mark a new chapter in the region’s agricultural development, with the local government and community working closely to ensure the project’s success and the area’s movement towards food self-sufficiency.