KENYA MOJA

By Victor Oyuko  Baba, forgive us.  Forgive us for celebrating your defeat in the African Union Commission (AUC) election. It’s not that we hate you. In fact, we still call you Baba. But the truth is, when you ran for the AUC chairmanship, you didn’t act like our father. And that is why we had to let you go. On June 25, 2024, we, your sons and daughters, flooded the streets of Kenya. We didn’t come to demand power. We didn’t come to serve political interests. We came for something bigger—justice, good governance, and an end to impunity. We were leaderless but focused, united by one goal: to reclaim our country from the hands of a corrupt and oppressive regime. And Baba, our voices were so loud that they shook the very foundation of this government. The Finance Bill was dropped, and an entire cabinet dissolved. You saw us, Baba. You congratulated us. You knew we were not fighting for positions but for our future. You knew we were not tribal or partisan. We were Kenyans—tribeles...

By Victor Oyuko  In a significant move that could reshape Kenya’s agricultural landscape, the government has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Al Dahra Group, marking a pivotal step in the ambitious Galana Kulalu Food Security Project. According to Irrigation Principal Secretary Ephantus Kimotho, this collaboration was cemented during serious engagements that culminated in the signing ceremony, which was witnessed by His Excellency President William Ruto. Unlocking Potential Through Partnership The partnership aims to unlock the vast potential of 200,000 acres of land in the Galana Kulalu region, where feasibility and technical studies are set to commence. This initiative focuses on enhancing irrigated food production, addressing food security concerns, creating jobs, and reducing reliance on imported crops. The anticipated Foreign Direct Investment is expected to exceed USD 800 million, a figure that highlights the project’s potential to stimulate the local economy. Ad...

By Victor Oyuko   Irrigation PS Ephantus Kimotho has emerged as a guiding force in Kenya's agricultural landscape, especially as the nation prepares for the launch of the National Irrigation Strategic Investment Plan (NISIP) on March 21, 2025. This comprehensive plan aims to expand irrigation across 1.5 million acres by 2030 while emphasizing complementary investments in water harvesting, storage reservoirs, and optimized infrastructure. The commitment to immediate needs, alongside long-term sustainability, is central to creating a robust irrigation system capable of adapting to future demands and volatile climatic conditions. Through his leadership, Kimotho underscores the significance of this initiative for the future of Kenyan agriculture. A Strategic Roadmap for Agricultural Challenges NISIP serves as a strategic roadmap designed to address critical challenges in agriculture, including water-use efficiency, infrastructure modernization, institutional strengthening, and climate ...

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...