President Ruto unveils extensive irrigation plan for food security and Northern Kenya development
via Tuko2 min read
President William Ruto, during the Madaraka Day celebrations in Wajir, outlined a comprehensive irrigation and water infrastructure agenda aimed at boosting food security and transforming Northern Kenya. The government plans to expand irrigation acreage by constructing 50 mega dams, 200 medium and small dams, and thousands of micro-dams nationwide. These projects are projected to bring an additional 2.5 million acres under irrigation and commercial agricultural production within the next five to seven years. Key projects highlighted include developments in the Ewaso Nyiro Basin in Isiolo, the High Grand Falls Dam in Tana River, the proposed River Daua Dam in Mandera, and the Bute Dam in Wajir North. Other initiatives include the Siliki Canal in Garissa, Lowaat in Turkana, Narosura in Narok, and Arror in Elgeyo Marakwet. The President emphasized that these investments are intended to drive prosperity in Northern Kenya, turning previously overlooked areas into strategic centers for food production and economic growth, thereby strengthening Kenya's food security and long-term prosperity. The State Department for Irrigation, led by Principal Secretary Ephantus Kimotho, affirmed its commitment to these efforts.
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Must ReadDuring the closing hours of the Ol Kalou Constituency parliamentary by-election on Thursday, July 16, hooded armed men attacked journalists and fired teargas at voters. Incidents occurred at Ol Kalou Comprehensive School and AC Primary School, where masked individuals, some armed and in unmarked vehicles, clashed with crowds. Radio Africa Group's Enos Teche was physically assaulted and had his camera seized by hooded men arriving in a convoy of five Toyota Prado SUVs and a smaller vehicle outside Ol Kalou Comprehensive School. Witnesses reported police officers were present but did not intervene. Teche was also affected by teargas launched by the hooded men to disperse a crowd. NTV cameraman George Kieru's equipment was also confiscated at the same location. At AC Primary School, a separate group of hooded men confronted youths, and teargas was reportedly fired from their escort vehicles. Videos showed masked individuals with guns in a Toyota Land Cruiser, attempting to disperse people outside polling stations, and men with batons pursuing members of the public, with claims of election interference. A police Land Cruiser was also seen moving through crowds outside Ol Kalou Comprehensive School. Voters stated they remained outside polling stations after casting ballots to safeguard the results.
Kenya has officially established its first resident diplomatic mission in Kingston, Jamaica, with Ambassador Mwenda Karisa appointed as the High Commissioner. This move signifies a significant expansion of Kenya's global diplomatic presence and aims to enhance trade, tourism, education, and cultural connections between the two nations. Previously, diplomatic relations were managed remotely. The new permanent office will provide full-time diplomatic presence and consular support for Kenyans in the Caribbean. The announcement generated considerable excitement among Kenyans online, with many expressing enthusiasm for the strengthened ties and the potential for travel and cultural exchange.
Robert Aruho, head of the Mount Kenya Wildlife Conservancy MKWC, has been appointed co-chair of the International Union for Conservation of Nature IUCN Species Survival Commission's Antelope Specialist Group. In this role, Aruho will help lead global efforts for the recovery, restoration, and conservation of over 90 antelope species and their habitats. He will collaborate with conservation biologist Violeta Barrios and a network of scientists to shape research priorities and species recovery strategies. Aruho emphasized the need for increased cooperation across borders and institutions to address complex conservation challenges. His appointment recognizes his work at MKWC, where he developed the world's largest breeding population of the critically endangered Mountain Bongo, with numbers exceeding 100 individuals. He also led the repatriation of four male Mountain Bongos from European zoos to enhance genetic diversity. Humphrey Kariuki, IUCN Patron of Nature and Patron of Mount Kenya Wildlife Conservancy, highlighted the appointment as a significant achievement for MKWC, Kenya, and the wider African conservation community. Aruho brings over two decades of experience as a wildlife veterinarian, having previously served as Senior Wildlife Veterinarian and Head of Species Programmes at the Uganda Wildlife Authority. His elevation is seen as a recognition of African expertise in global biodiversity conservation and is expected to foster international research partnerships and kno