KENYA MOJA

By Victor Patience Oyuko  Mr. President, Kenyans are tired. Tired of your government’s calculated oppression, tired of human rights abuses, tired of the abductions, and tired of your administration’s blatant disregard for the dignity of ordinary citizens. The brutal arrest and humiliation of Grace Njoki Mulei is not just another statistic of police brutality; it is a searing indictment of your leadership and a grim reflection of where this nation is headed under your rule. Grace Mulei, a 61-year-old retired nurse, should be enjoying her retirement in peace, having dedicated her life to serving Kenyans. Instead, she was dragged across the floor of Ladnan Hospital like a criminal in broad daylight, arrested for exercising her democratic right to protest. Her “crime”? Speaking up about the glaring failures of the Social Health Authority (SHA) system that replaced the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF)—a system whose inefficiencies have left countless Kenyans stranded and dying in h...

ON THURSDAY ,  Irrigation Principal Secretary Ephantus Kimotho visited the Navakholo Irrigation Development project in Kakamega County. This ambitious initiative, currently at 76.8% completion and set to be fully operational by mid-2025, aims to transform the agricultural landscape for the communities in Bunyala East, Bunyala Central, and the broader Navakholo Constituency. The project is poised to irrigate 1,000 acres of farmland, benefiting 1,000 households directly and impacting approximately 5,000 additional households. This initiative is expected to enhance food security and improve the income of local farmers, providing a significant boost to the region’s agrarian economy. Project Components: Infrastructure for Growth The Navakholo Irrigation Development project comprises several critical components designed to ensure an efficient and effective irrigation system. At its foundation are the intake works sourced from the Nzoia River, along with a sedimentation tank to filter and...

Dear President William Ruto, Kenya’s agricultural sector remains a cornerstone of our economy, providing livelihoods for millions, contributing significantly to GDP, and ensuring the nation’s food security. Your administration’s commitment to agricultural transformation has been commendable, particularly through the focus on irrigation as a solution to climate-induced food insecurity and dwindling agricultural productivity. Since his appointment in 2023, Principal Secretary Ephantus Kimotho has spearheaded transformative initiatives in irrigation, displaying exceptional professionalism, a visionary mindset, and a dedication to excellence. His leadership has delivered tangible results, and I write to humbly urge you to retain him in his role to sustain the momentum of progress that has been achieved in this critical sector. The Central Role of Irrigation in Kenya’s Agricultural Transformation Kenya has historically relied heavily on rain-fed agriculture, leaving the country vulnerable t...

WATER SCARCITY has been a perennial challenge for arid and semi-arid regions in Kenya, particularly in Kajiado East Constituency. However, a transformative initiative led by Irrigation Principal Secretary Ephantus Kimotho is gradually changing this narrative. On Friday, the PS visited several water harvesting and storage facilities in the constituency, bringing to light the remarkable strides made in agricultural productivity through these interventions. This feature delves into the initiatives, their impact on local communities, and the government's broader vision of enhancing water accessibility and agricultural efficiency in Kenya. A Strategic Vision for Water Harvesting The Kajiado East Constituency, largely inhabited by pastoral communities, has long struggled with insufficient water resources for both domestic and agricultural use. To address this, the State Department of Irrigation (SDI) has invested heavily in water harvesting and storage facilities, including the Jerusale...

The Government is steadily transforming the agricultural landscape by integrating innovative irrigation solutions into schools. This strategy not only addresses food security concerns but also fosters agribusiness skills among young learners. Under the leadership of CPA Ephantus Kimotho, the Principal Secretary (PS) in the State Department for Irrigation, significant strides have been made in implementing micro-irrigation programs across the country. In this feature, we explore the impact of these projects, the milestones achieved so far, and the vision of the State Department for Irrigation as it cultivates a new generation of agripreneurs. The Micro-Irrigation Initiative: A Revolutionary Step Micro-irrigation is a sustainable agricultural method that optimizes water usage for crop production. This system delivers water directly to the root zone of plants, minimizing wastage and enhancing yields. Recognizing the potential of this technology, the State Department for Irrigation launch...

As we stand at the crossroads of a passing year, I pause to celebrate a visionary leader, CPA Ephantus Kimotho, Principal Secretary of the State Department for Irrigation. This festive season, as lights twinkle and families gather, it's time we reflect on how transformative leadership can change lives—and yours, sir, has done just that. Under your stewardship, irrigation policies in Kenya have shifted from static plans to dynamic solutions. You have expanded irrigated land, bringing hope to farmers who once feared drought more than debt collectors. Food security, a long-elusive dream, now feels within reach. But this isn’t just about feeding a nation—it’s about empowering millions of Kenyans who toil the land to rise from subsistence to sustainability. Your commitment to sustainable practices isn't just admirable; it’s necessary. In a world where climate change is wreaking havoc, your promotion of efficient irrigation systems and innovative technologies is a lifeline, not a lux...

Irrigation PS Ephantus Kimotho stands at the forefront of Kenya's battle against climate change, wielding innovative strategies to transform agriculture into a climate-resilient powerhouse. As the Principal Secretary in the State Department for Irrigation, his vision aligns seamlessly with Kenya's ambitious climate goals, aiming to secure food security while combating water scarcity. Blueprint for Climate-Resilient Agriculture PS Kimotho's blueprint is nothing short of revolutionary. Under his leadership at the state department for irrigation, the government has launched a five-year plan (2023-2028) to double the land under irrigation from 664,000 acres to over 1.2 million acres.  This ambitious initiative is designed to bolster irrigated agriculture and enhance food security, crucial in a nation where 98% of agricultural activities are rain-fed and highly vulnerable to climate variability.  Rising temperatures and erratic weather patterns threaten to erode agricultural pro...