Posted on June, 13, 2025 at 06:10 pm
Farmers under the Weiwei Irrigation Scheme have received a significant financial boost following the disbursement of a Sh6 million cheque by the state, aimed at transforming agricultural production and improving livelihoods in arid and semi-arid regions.
The cheque was officially handed over by the Principal Secretary for the State Department for ASALs and Regional Development, Kello Harsama.
This intervention falls under the Bottom-up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), which is central to the Kenya Kwanza government’s strategy to foster inclusive economic growth by enhancing productivity, building resilience, and empowering rural communities.
The funds are expected to increase agricultural output dramatically from the current 800,000 tonnes to a target of 2 million tonnes through strategic investments in irrigation scheme maintenance and expansion, farmer training and capacity building, infrastructure development, environmental conservation, and the acquisition of modern farming equipment.
Post-harvest handling and value addition facilities will also be established to reduce losses and improve market readiness.
PS Harsama reiterated the government’s commitment to supporting ASAL communities, stating that this initiative is more than just an agricultural programme; it is a powerful tool for socio-economic transformation and community empowerment.
Managing Director of the Kerio Valley Development Authority (KVDA), Sammy Naporos, emphasised the importance of the funding, stating that it marks a turning point in agricultural modernisation within the region.
He noted that KVDA is committed to ensuring the effective and transparent use of the resources to guarantee tangible outcomes for the farming communities.
“This funding will be used to expand irrigation infrastructure, provide mechanised support to farmers, and create sustainable agricultural value chains,” said Naporos.
Farmers expressed optimism and gratitude, noting that the funding comes at a time when many have been struggling with outdated equipment and unpredictable weather patterns.
Established in the late 1980s through a bilateral partnership between Kenya and Italy, the Weiwei Irrigation Scheme has grown into a flagship project under Kenya’s Vision 2030.
Initially covering just 70 hectares, the scheme has since expanded to over 600 hectares, with its latest Phase III contributing an additional 325 hectares under irrigation and supporting more than 600 farming households.
The scheme is credited with revolutionising farming in the region, offering a lifeline to communities previously dependent on unreliable rainfall.
Over the years, Weiwei has not only enhanced food production but also created over 3,000 jobs, improved school enrolment as farming families gain stable income, and reduced insecurity by engaging youth in productive agricultural work.
It has further supported environmental goals through the planting of more than two million agroforestry trees, contributing to the conservation of the Cherangany Hills catchment area.
With the latest funding, the scheme is expected to modernise further, raise productivity, and enhance market access for farmers across West Pokot and beyond.
The disbursement of Sh 6 million underlines the government’s unwavering resolve to uplift marginalized communities and stimulate rural economic growth.
Through the BETA agenda, the Weiwei Irrigation Scheme stands out as a model of what targeted investment, strategic planning, and strong government commitment can achieve in advancing food security, resilience, and national development.
Also present were Lochakapong Peter, chairman of Regional Development; Chairman KVDA, Mark K. Chesergon; Director for Regional Development, Ms. Wanjiku Manyatta; and other officials and local leaders who praised the initiative as timely and transformative for the region’s future.
Source: KNA