Over 3,000 small-scale horticultural farmers in Uasin Gishu and Elgeyo Marakwet counties are set to start reaping the benefits of the Sabor Irrigation Scheme – one of the key national government irrigation projects.
According to Water, Irrigation, and Sanitation Principal Secretary (PS) Andrew Tuimur, the project whose construction works started in 2012 is now at 99 percent complete.
Speaking during a site visit to the project, PS Tuimur said once complete, it will help in advancing the government’s bid to expand the acreage under irrigation across the country to 1.2 million by 2030.
“It has taken a long time to complete this project but we are happy its infrastructure is now at 99 percent complete. We want to assist small-scale farmers doing horticulture to improve their ventures,” said the PS.
So far, Ksh350 million has been pumped into the Sabor water project in Tembelio Ward, Moiben Sub County.
The project taps water from the Chepkoilel River and is currently awaiting the last mile connectivity. Chepkosom dam has been considered as another source of water to be incorporated into the current one for other locations to benefit.
“These project is part of our desire to increase agricultural land under irrigation from 600,000 to 1.2 million by 2030. We have many other projects in the country to improve water and sanitation access for the people,” noted PS Tuimur.
He also noted that currently, the country has a 60 percent water coverage, but the government is targeting universal access by 2030.
Other projects the National Government is funding in Uasin Gishu County include the Kipkaren Water Plant that is currently at 38 percent complete.
Once complete, the plant will be producing over 27 million liters of water daily and is expected to boost access to water among locals in Eldoret town.
Currently, water demand for the Eldoret locals is 60 million liters daily, while the Eldoret Water and Sanitation Company (ELDOWAS) produces only 43 million litres.
