Kenya explores major irrigation project using excess water from Lakes Baringo and Bogoria

Principal Secretary for Irrigation Ephantus Kimotho and Principal Secretary for Defence Dr. Patrick Mariru reviewed findings from a joint technical assessment for the proposed Lake Baringo-Lake Bogoria water management and irrigation project. This initiative aims to address water management challenges while expanding irrigation and agricultural production in Baringo and surrounding areas. The project intends to evacuate excess water through infrastructure to potential irrigation development locations, supporting both large-scale and community-based schemes.

This shift from rain-fed agriculture to more reliable systems is expected to boost food and high-value crop production, create jobs, increase household incomes, and enhance national food security. The next steps involve mobilizing resources for detailed feasibility studies, hydrological and environmental assessments, engineering designs, and infrastructure development. The State Department for Irrigation is leading the irrigation component, identifying command areas, water requirements, and suitable crops.

The collaboration between the State Department for Irrigation and the Ministry of Defence is crucial due to the project's scale and technical complexity. The government plans to engage various stakeholders to secure resources and ensure the project is technically sound, environmentally susta