Irrigation schemes to eliminate perennial food shortages

Even as Kenyans express fear of possible starvation, the government says it has put in place measures to address the perennial food shortage that is experienced in some parts of the country.

According to National Irrigation Board (NIB) General Manager, Gitonga Mugambi, the government has been investing in irrigation schemes aimed at bolstering the country’s food reserves and gradually eliminate the threat of hunger especially in arid and semi-arid areas.

Mugambi says that despite most parts of the country suffering the intensity of the prolonged dry spell, areas under irrigation continue producing substantive amount of food that will serve hundreds of Kenyans from starvation.

“There are many parts of the country that are green currently despite the biting drought and this is because of the irrigation schemes,” said Mr Mugambi.

“If expanded, these irrigation schemes will help solve the country’s perennial food shortage.”

Mr Mugambi says the biggest challenge is underfunding.

“The department requires at least Ksh 25 billion annually as opposed to the current allocation of Ksh 3 billion.”

“The cash would go a long way in boosting water conservation and harvesting for irrigation,” he added.

He says the Katilu Irrigation Scheme in Turkana and Bura in Tana River are doing well.

“In Bura, the land under maize crop is 4,000 acres. Other irrigation schemes doing well are Bunyala in Busia and the Pekera Irrigation Scheme in Baringo,” he noted.

The groundbreaking ceremony for Thiba Dam in Mwea, Kirinyaga county set for next month, he says, will also play a vital role in promoting food security.

“Once complete in about 3 years, it will double rice acrerage from the current 22,000 acres to over 40,000 acres.”

70 per cent of rice consumed in Kenya comes from Mwea.