Day: March 31, 2023

Farmers in Laikipia County have been encouraged to embrace diversification in crop production to boost their sources of livelihood and improve living standards. Speaking during the distribution of subsidized fertilizer in Kinamba, Rumuruti, and Ol-Moran areas in Laikipia West, Governor Joshua Irungu said that enhancing the diversification of agricultural technologies would come in handy in addressing some of the challenges the region was facing, including drought, food shortage, and income. ‘Let us not rely on maize farming only. Let us plant fruits because they will help us when there is drought. Also ensure you harvest water in any way. Soon we shall be giving water tanks to help our people to enable them harvest water. ‘I urge all residents to harvest water using water pans because it can last you and your family for six months. Let us also diversify crop and livestock production,’ said Irungu. His sentiments were echoed by Laikipia West acting Deputy County Commissioner Githinji Wamahiu who appealed to farmers to exploit the region’s favorable weather patterns and arable soils and increase their sources of income through crop diversification. They encouraged farmers to embrace water harvesting initiatives during the heavy rains and use the water to irrigate their crops during the dry season. They observed that as the County government was promoting and supporting climate-smart agriculture, it would be prudent for farmers to practice planting of short maturing crops and water harvesting technologies. Farming in most parts of Laikipia is mainly rain-fed which sometimes causes frustration mainly during the dry season when crops fail. The government said if farmers take up high-value crops and those that can withstand drought, then they will be food secure and still have more to sell for their livelihood. They said farmers would get the farm input at NCPB stores near them and at Ol-Moran Catholic Church. This, they said, would help ease the agony most farmers were facing, having to travel long distances to Nyahururu town to collect the subsidies.

Source: Kenya News Agency

A new bulky water supply project to benefit 350,000 people in Kirinyaga County will be launched in two months’ time. Water, Sanitation and Irrigation Cabinet Secretary (CS) Alice Wahome says the Kirinyaga Bulky Water Supply project that would give water to four major towns in the county was almost complete. The CS said the project would improve water quantity, quality and reliability within Kerugoya, Kutus, Kagio and Sagana towns. Speaking during an inspection tour of the project, Wahome who was accompanied by Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru said the new system would supply the residents with an additional 30,000 cubic metres of water daily. The water supply system will draw water from intakes at Kiriga and Thiba rivers with the main treatment plant being located at Muratiri area. ‘This project will spur speedy growth in the county, industries will grow and our supportive role as the ministry is to ensure we can do this across the country. There is huge demand for water everywhere and we know we have not been able to reach everyone,’ CS Wahome said. Wahome said that the project is being funded by the government and the African Development Bank (AFDB) at an approximated cost of Sh1.1 billion. The towns will also benefit from a Sh500 million sewerage treatment system which is also nearing completion. The CS said the sewerage system would serve Kerugoya and Kutus town and homes along the line. ‘This will be one of the biggest small towns’ water and sewerage systems that we have in the country. Previously, there was no proper policy in place to ensure that as you supply water, then you also take care of sewerage. The sewer system is not restricted to town, it will provide service anywhere it will pass,’ she said. On her part, Governor Waiguru said the water and sewerage system would be a great relief to the residents as it would alleviate water shortage and help improve hygiene and sanitation standards in four of the towns. The Council of Governors (CoG) chair said that the project would also help in opening up towns as adequate supply of water and sewer systems are a major consideration for investors. ‘Previously, we did not have a sewerage system but we now have this new one that is nearing completion. It starts from Kerugoya all the way to Kutus and goes down to Kagio and Sagana,’ the Governor said. The governor further said the increased water supply would make the upcoming Sagana Industrial Park more attractive to investors. ‘We are collaborating with the national government in the establishment of the industrial park and we are happy because the water will serve that park, especially the low-cost housing and the industries that will be set up there,’ said the governor. She also pointed out that her administration had intervened to ensure property owners whose land has been acquired to allow construction of the sewer line are duly compensated.

Source: Kenya News Agency