KVDA launches its five-year strategic plan that will require 69.4b to implement

Judy Too and Kiptanui Cherono (KNA)
 

The Kerio Valley Development Authority, KVDA, requires Sh69.4 billion to fund its capital-intensive water infrastructure projects and value addition within the next five years in its area of jurisdiction.

The projects funded by the Authority will focus on are Arror, Kimwarer, and Embobut multi-purpose projects and the lower Turkwel irrigation project.

In his presentation during the official launching of its five-year strategic plan by the East African Community, the Asals and Regional Development Cabinet Secretary, CS, Beatrice Askul, KVDA Managing Director Sammy Naboros said to enhance water access in its areas of operation KVDA plans to develop 200 solar powered boreholes and construct 100 water pans as well as 20 small dams that will provide three million cubic metres of water to the residents.

While launching the 2023-2027 strategic plan at KVDA plaza in Eldoret, the CS lauded KVDA for initiating water and irrigation scheme projects that have transformed the region that is 80 per cent Arid and semi-arid, ASAL, and its people.

“The 65 solar-powered boreholes that have already been drilled and equipped as well as the water pans and small dams support two million people and over five million livestock as well as providing water for irrigation that has boosted food production and enhanced economic income for the residents,” said the CS.

Ms. Askul observed that successful implementation of the strategic plan will see the expansion of irrigation from2000 acres to 7,500 acres which will increase food production from 1,200 tons to 3,000 tons annually as well as expand economic activities and wealth creation through agro-based industries worth Sh82 m annually, these she added will cumulatively reduce poverty levels from the current 67 per cent to 40 per cent in the region.

She also commended KVDA for its initiative to increase forest cover and biodiversity conservation in the region and its plan of increasing it from 12.5 per cent to 13 per cent was in line with the government’s commitment to increase forest cover in the country through the growth of 15 billion trees within 10 years.

So far, according to the MD, KVDA has developed and operationalized the 1,500-acre WeiWei phase III and the 150-acre Napuu II irrigation schemes.

Weiwei produced 4000 tons of seed maize valued at Sh180 million, while Napuu scheme supporting 300 households directly and 1,500 indirectly produced 200 tons of cereals, watermelon, and butternut.

The authority also supported small-scale farmers in Chepkum, and Kamsiwet, enabling the production of 2,280 tons of sorghum valued at Sh75m benefiting more than 10,000 households, said Naboros.

In the Agro-Value Chain, the MD explained that KVDA supported processing 500,000 liters of ready-to-drink mango juice generating a revenue of Sh. 60m, and supported mango farmers by providing a ready market for 450 tons earning them Sh. 6.75m.

We also processed 500 tons of KVDA pure acacia honey valued at Sh350m and provided a reliable market for approximately 500 tons of semi-processed honey generating Sh. 200m for local beekeepers annually, said the MD adding that KVDA successfully exported honey to the USA to expand market opportunities for Honey from the region.

In the livestock sector, KVDA enhanced local cattle and goat breeds through multiplication centers with a total of 600 livestock breeds which have served over 1500 livestock. It also achieved annual pasture production of 75 tons, valued at Sh. 30m.

The authority, the MD said, will continue to build capacity through training on best agriculture practices. 

So far 500 fish farmers have been trained on best fishing practices in Kalokol and Turkwel, 250 farmers from Wei Wei, Napuu, Kamsiwet, Chepkum, Lomut, and Tot irrigation schemes were trained on best farming practices while 200 beekeeper groups were trained on best beekeeping practices.