Government commits to fair compensation for people affected by the Lower Kuja Irrigation Project.


ON WEDNESDAY, a significant milestone was achieved in Migori County as Irrigation PS Ephantus Kimotho joined forces with the Japanese Government, represented by His Excellency the Ambassador to the African Union and Ethiopia, along with representatives from the Food and Agriculture Organization, the County Government of Migori, the National Irrigation Authority, and local farmers from the Lower Kuja Irrigation Scheme. This collaborative effort marked the launch of the transformative Japanese Supplementary Budget funded project. 

A Vision for Agricultural Resilience

The project, aptly titled "Responding to Water Related Disasters: Mitigating and Optimizing Excess Water in Migori County," is set to have far-reaching impacts on the local community. With five key outputs at its core, this initiative seeks not only to enhance agricultural productivity but also to uplift the socio-economic status of the residents. 

The primary components include the construction of community water reservoirs (water pans), which will serve as vital sources of water for irrigation, ensuring that farmers have access to water even during dry spells. Additionally, the project will support farmers with improved rice seeds to significantly boost rice production, which is crucial for food security in the region. 

Farmers will also receive enhanced seeds for green grams and cowpeas, diversifying their crop production and increasing resilience against market fluctuations. A strong focus on socio-economic transformation through job creation for women and youth will empower these groups, fostering economic independence and community development.

Enhancing Livelihoods Through Strategic Interventions

During the launch, PS Ephantus Kimotho expressed his satisfaction with the project's interventions in water harvesting and storage. He emphasized that these efforts are designed to positively impact over 2,500 individuals in Nyatike, a region rich in agricultural potential due to its fertile land and sufficient water resources. 

The Lower Kuja Irrigation Scheme is projected to increase rice production by an impressive 80,000 metric tons, significantly reducing Kenya's rice import bill and enhancing food security.

Commitment to Fair Compensation

In a noteworthy commitment to fairness and equity, PS Kimotho announced that the government has allocated Ksh. 68 Million for compensating Project Affected Persons (PAPs) who have given up their land for this vital project. 


This substantial amount was determined through a meticulous valuation process aimed at ensuring that at least 1,400 individuals benefit from this compensation. Governor Ochilo Ayacko echoed this sentiment, stressing that all that remains is obtaining approval from the National Lands Commission before commencing the compensation process.

Progress on Construction Works

Later that same day, PS Kimotho took time to inspect ongoing construction works for Phase II of the Lower Kuja Irrigation Project in Nyatike. 

Photo: Irrigation PS Ephantus Kimotho inspecting the ongoing construction for phase II of Lower Kuja Irrigation Project 

This phase follows its launch by His Excellency President William Ruto in August 2024 and represents a significant investment of one billion shillings into the region’s agricultural infrastructure. The contractor is actively engaged on-site, demonstrating a commitment to timely delivery of this ambitious project.

A New Era of Resilience and Prosperity

As we look towards the future, it is clear that initiatives like the Lower Kuja Irrigation Project not only promise immediate benefits for local farmers but also lay the groundwork for sustainable development in Migori County. 

By addressing both agricultural productivity and socio-economic challenges, this project embodies a holistic approach to community empowerment—one that could serve as a model for similar endeavors across Kenya. 

With strong governmental support and international collaboration, Migori County stands on the brink of a new era marked by resilience and prosperity.

Article by Victor Oyuko. To buy Coffee: 0708883777 

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