The Government has announced plans to accelerate the rehabilitation and desilting of colonial-era dams across the North Rift region as part of efforts to strengthen water security and protect farmers from the effects of climate change.
The programme will cover dams in Uasin Gishu, Nandi, Kakamega, Elgeyo Marakwet and Trans Nzoia counties.
Speaking during a courtesy visit to Uasin Gishu Governor Jonathan Bii Chelilim in Eldoret, Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi said the intervention follows forecasts by the Kenya Meteorological Department indicating the likelihood of enhanced rains associated with El Niño from October.
The rehabilitation and desilting exercise is expected to increasing water harvesting capacity ahead of the rains, reduce flooding, improve water storage for domestic use and irrigation and strengthen long-term climate resilience for farming communities.
“This proactive intervention follows forecasts by the Kenya Meteorological Department indicating the likelihood of enhanced rains associated with El Niño from October. By increasing water harvesting capacity ahead of the rains, the Government aims to reduce flooding, improve water storage for domestic use and irrigation, and strengthen long-term climate resilience for farming communities,” said Mudavadi.
He acknowledged the difficult circumstances facing many farmers following delayed rains and assured them that the Government is actively considering measures to cushion affected households.
Among the interventions under consideration are support mechanisms, including relief on agricultural input financing, to ease the burden on farmers.
Mudavadi stressed that as climate patterns become increasingly unpredictable, investing in water infrastructure and supporting farmers will be essential to safeguarding food security, protecting livelihoods and strengthening Kenya’s agricultural economy.
