Moiben Member of Parliament Prof. Phylis Jepkemoi Bartoo, on Thursday, July 23, 2026, launched the Karona Earth Dam Irrigation Development Project aimed at boosting food production and livelihoods in Uasin Gishu County.
Prof. Bartoo was received at the site by the National Irrigation Authority’s Deputy Director for Engineering Advisory Services, Eng. Henry Ochiere, and the Regional Manager for Central and Lower Rift Valley Region, Eng. Aggrey Koech, who represented the NIA Chief Executive Officer. County government officials, local leaders and community members also attended the event.
The project will focus on the rehabilitation and expansion of the Karona Earth Dam to expand irrigated agriculture in Moiben.
According to the National Irrigation Authority officials, the works are designed to increase agricultural productivity and improve incomes for farming households in the area.
How many will benefit from Karona Earth Dam Irrigation Development Project?
Project documents shared during the launch indicate the initiative is expected to directly benefit more than 400 households and create approximately 1,600 employment opportunities during and after construction.
It will also support the production of cereals, pulses and high-value horticultural crops.
Key components include desilting and expanding the dam, installation of a solar-powered pumping system, construction of steel and distribution pipelines, and building water storage facilities and other supporting irrigation infrastructure.
Officials said the project is aligned to the government’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda, which prioritizes food security through expanded irrigation.
Speaking at the launch, Prof. Bartoo said the dam will reduce farmers’ reliance on rain-fed agriculture and open new opportunities for commercial farming in Moiben.
Local leaders welcomed the project, noting that improved access to water is expected to lower production costs and stabilize yields.
The National Irrigation Authority will oversee implementation of the engineering works in collaboration with the county government.
