How Public Participation is Shaping the Future of the Bura Irrigation Scheme

By Victor Oyuko 

On Thursday, the quiet settlement of Bura in Tana River County came alive with hope, dialogue, and a renewed sense of belonging. Farmers, leaders, and government officials gathered in one accord for a public participation forum led by Irrigation Principal Secretary CPA Ephantus Kimotho, in line with the Presidential Directive on sustainable public irrigation schemes.

The agenda was simple but transformative: to engage farmers directly on issues of land allocation and Operation and Maintenance (O&M) fees at the Bura Irrigation and Settlement Scheme. But beyond the technicalities, the event was a powerful demonstration of what happens when government meets its people halfway, through transparency, inclusivity, and genuine dialogue.

A Presidential Directive That Puts Farmers First

When H.E President Dr. William Ruto directed that all irrigation schemes must embrace public participation, it was more than a policy statement. It was a turning point for communities that rely on irrigation to survive and thrive.

For years, farmers have faced uncertainty around land allocation and recurring O&M fees that often cut into their already slim margins. But PS Ephantus Kimotho’s assurance that farmers will continue their agricultural activities without additional charges sent a wave of relief across the community.

In his own words, the PS stressed: “Farmers are free to continue farming activities without any additional O&M charges.”

This assurance underscored the government’s resolve to not only support food security but also protect the very backbone of Kenya’s agricultural sector, the farmer.

The Heartbeat of Bura Irrigation Scheme

The Bura Irrigation and Settlement Scheme is not just an infrastructural project; it is the lifeline of thousands of households. Covering 12,000 acres of irrigated land, the scheme has 6,000 acres already under active crop cultivation, while an additional 4,000 acres are ready for green card issuance and farmer allocation.

This expansion signals growth, opportunity, and renewed promise for farmers. But most importantly, it highlights how irrigation development in Kenya continues to evolve from mere subsistence farming into a structured and sustainable model that integrates local communities, investors, and government stakeholders.

A Call for Transparency and Inclusivity

PS Kimotho made it clear that investors eyeing opportunities within the scheme must go through a transparent and inclusive process. This is crucial in ensuring that local farmers are not edged out by powerful players, but instead positioned to work alongside investors in a mutually beneficial relationship.

And there’s a catch, investors must commit to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and capacity building for farmers. This means every investment into the scheme must leave the community better than it found it. Whether through training programs, farm inputs, or infrastructure support, farmers are guaranteed to benefit.

This deliberate policy shift ensures that irrigation projects in Kenya are not extractive but empowering, reinforcing the government’s vision of making farmers the centre of development.

Farmers’ Voices at the Table

The essence of public participation is that communities speak and government listens. Thursday’s event was a perfect example of this. Farmers raised pressing concerns, particularly the urgent need for machinery to support canal maintenance and the overall upkeep of the scheme.

Without functional canals, irrigation stalls. Without irrigation, food production suffers. The farmers’ plea was a reminder that sustainable irrigation is not just about acres of land but also about functional systems that support day-to-day farming.

Leaders present, including Hon. Yakub Kuno, MP for the area, echoed the need for communities to embrace development initiatives and dismiss propaganda that has historically slowed progress. His call was not just political; it was a plea for unity and cooperation in a region that has often been bogged down by misinformation.

A United Front for Irrigation Development

PS Kimotho was not alone in this mission. He was joined by Eng. Gilbert Maluki, Chairman of the National Irrigation Authority (NIA), and Eng. Charles Muasya, MBS, CEO of NIA, both of whom reaffirmed their commitment to keep scheme operations inclusive, transparent, and community-driven.

Their presence was symbolic. It showed that irrigation is not a one-man effort but a collective responsibility of institutions, leaders, and farmers alike. It also underscored the government’s determination to implement irrigation projects with accountability at every level.

Irrigation as a Tool for Food Security and Economic Growth

The story of the Bura Irrigation Scheme is not just a local one, it ties directly into Kenya’s broader vision for food security under the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA). By expanding irrigation, Kenya reduces its dependency on rain-fed agriculture, builds resilience against climate change, and empowers farmers to become agribusiness entrepreneurs rather than subsistence growers.

With more land under irrigation, and with policies that safeguard farmers from exploitative charges, schemes like Bura hold the key to transforming Kenya into a food-secure nation.

Leadership That Listens

What stood out in Thursday’s engagement was not the speeches, but the sincerity behind them. PS Ephantus Kimotho’s leadership style is anchored on listening first, acting second. His deliberate move to engage farmers directly is a testament to good governance in Kenya’s irrigation sector.

For too long, decisions affecting farmers were made in boardrooms far removed from the fields. But under the current directive, farmers are no longer spectators, they are participants, stakeholders, and decision-makers.

This shift builds trust, strengthens cooperation, and lays the foundation for sustainable irrigation systems that can last generations.

The Road Ahead for Bura

The future of the Bura Irrigation Scheme is filled with promise. With 12,000 acres already secured for irrigation, and transparent land allocation processes in place, farmers can now focus on productivity rather than bureaucracy.

The introduction of CSR obligations for investors will not only modernize farming practices but also bring social benefits such as training, technology transfer, and community support. Meanwhile, the assurance of no additional O&M charges gives farmers the breathing space to focus on what they do best, feeding the nation.

But challenges remain. Machinery for canal maintenance, enhanced capacity for local farmers, and consistent oversight are all critical needs that require urgent attention. If addressed, these challenges could unlock the scheme’s full potential, turning it into a model for irrigation development in Kenya and Africa at large.

A Shared Commitment

Thursday’s forum was more than an event it was a turning point. It showed that when government, leaders, farmers, and investors come together under the spirit of public participation, progress is inevitable.

The Bura Irrigation and Settlement Scheme is not just about water and land; it is about dignity, empowerment, and shared prosperity. With PS Ephantus Kimotho, the National Irrigation Authority, and local leaders working hand in hand with farmers, the future of irrigation in Kenya is not only secure but also sustainable.

In the words of one farmer at the forum: “For the first time, we feel seen, heard, and supported. This is how farming should be.”

Indeed, this is how Kenya will feed itselfthrough farmers at the centre, leaders who listen, and policies that empower.

Article by Victor Patience Oyuko: To buy coffee 0708883777