KENYA MOJA

By Victor Patience Oyuko  In a momentous occasion that exemplifies exceptional dedication and leadership in the accounting profession, CPA Ephantus Kimotho, the Principal Secretary of the State Department of Irrigation, has been honored by the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Kenya (ICPAK). He is among 36 distinguished CPA holders recognized for their commendable achievements, steadfastness in upholding high levels of integrity, and remarkable contributions to the accounting profession and public service. It is not only a personal achievement for Kimotho but also an indication of how integrity and professionalism are critical elements in the improvement of governance and effective service delivery in the public sector. Ephantus Kimotho's journey to this honor reflects his deep commitment to the principles of accounting and public administration. He has an academic background deeply rooted in accounting, channeling his expertise into creating impactful strategies that e...

By Victor Patience Oyuko. TREMENDOUS change has taken place in Kenya over the decades with regard to food security in the agriculture sector. For a long period of time, reliance on rain-fed agriculture predisposed farmers to unpredictable weather patterns, further worsening incidences of food shortages and debilitating economies.  Having to struggle with feeding their families and maintaining their livelihoods had become unbearable with communities where frequent droughts occurred facing dire prospects. However, this has been a different tale, given the novel irrigation systems introduced, which have completely revolutionized and opened ways to a more resilient agricultural sector. Importance of Irrigation in Kenya Irrigation is not just a mode of irrigating crops but a lifeline for many farmers and communities across Kenya. Without it, staple foods like rice would be as rare as gold. The shift from depending on rain-fed agriculture to irrigation has been a game-changer in terms o...

  By Amb. Gordon K'achola   The interconnectedness of immigration and terrorism has faced many nations in recent decades. Kenya, due to its strategic placement in East Africa, considers this challenge of high importance. With borders abutting such conflict states as Somalia, Kenya has uniquely intricate challenges that interweave migration policies with national security. The following blog post discusses implications of immigration to terrorism in Kenya through real-life examples and expert viewpoints on this complex issue. Background Some of the many different factors shaping the immigration landscape in Kenya include regional instability and internal security challenges. Turmoil in the neighboring country of Somalia nurtured such extremist groups as Al-Shabaab, who conducted numerous attacks within the borders of Kenya. The many threats led to the implementation of the Kenya Citizenship and Immigration Act of 2011, which indeed provided a structured framework in handling im...

VIBRANT fields in Siaya County were full of anticipation on Thursday afternoon when Irrigation PS Ephantus Kimotho led a key farmers' sensitization; one that pegged another important milestone in the ongoing Lower Nzoia Irrigation Project. Launched on June 12, 2018, this initiative tended to change the face of agriculture in both Siaya and Busia counties by way of controlling flooding and increasing irrigation over an area of about 10,000 acres. With the completion set for May 2025, this becomes an indication of the Kenyan government's concern for improving food security and bettering the living conditions of native farmers. Objectives and Scope The Lower Nzoia Irrigation Project has been designed to achieve focussed objectives on sustainable agricultural practices. With an estimated budget of KSh 3.87 billion, the project has targeted irrigating 4,043 hectares, out of which 2,535 hectares are targeted in Siaya, while 1,508 hectares are targeted in Busia. This strategic plan h...

"  WATER is the driving force of all nature."  This timeless quote by Leonardo da Vinci resonates profoundly in Kenya today, where the nation is embarking on a transformative journey toward food security through strategic irrigation initiatives.  The Kenya Kwanza government's Bottom Up Economic Transformation Agenda envisions a future where every citizen has access to sufficient food, supported by robust agricultural practices that harness the power of water. The Crucial Role of Irrigation in Food Security Irrigation is not merely a farming technique; it stands as the backbone of Kenya's agricultural strategy. The government recognizes that to meet the growing demands of its population and combat the challenges posed by climate change, a significant shift must occur.  The National Irrigation Authority (NIA) plays a pivotal role in this initiative, implementing projects that directly contribute to food security across various counties. With an ambitious goal to incre...

  THE HIGH GRAND FALLS dam project is an exciting step toward sustainable development in Kenya. It promises to bring many benefits to local communities and the country's economy. A consultative meeting convened by Irrigation PS Ephantus Kimotho brought together various stakeholders from State Department for Irrigation, State Department for Water, State Department for Energy and GBM  Consortium, to discuss the future of this important project. Coming Together The meeting held yesterday was a chance for government officials, community leaders, and other stakeholders to share ideas and concerns. Principal Secretary Kimotho highlighted how crucial this dam will be for providing water and improving farming. Everyone at the meeting felt a sense of hope and commitment to making this project a success for local communities. Water Storage and Farming Benefits Once completed, the High Grand Falls dam will hold about 5.6 billion cubic meters of water. This large amount of water will be ...

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...