54 Million In support of Baringo County Irrigation Scheme

By Henry Nyamweya

Eldume Irrigation Scheme of Baringo County in Marigat Sub-County, has received 54 Million from National Irrigation Board. The funds will be used for rehabilitation and extension of the scheme to increase the outcome this year.

This project is situated along the Marigat – Loboi road in Eldume Location. It is accessible within 10 to 15 minutes’ drive from Marigat trading Centre. The local community farmers usually grow maize, beans, vegetable, onions, Water-melons, tomatoes by canal Irrigation method of application.

This was revealed during a stakeholders meeting at the project site while handing and taking over the site to incoming contractor. Several Government officials, IRRICO International Limited and the Farm beneficiaries attended the occasion which was held on 28/3/2014.

It was a joyous moment for the farmers of Eldume Irrigation scheme as they sat waiting to hear whether their expectations will be answered by Eng. Ogendo the Chief Officer Rift Valley Region of National Irrigation Board.

“Since completion of Phase 1 works, there has been a lot of water in the canals. As a result of this, it has resulted in lots of outcome from the project investment hence poverty reduction within the project area,” said the Eldume Irrigation Scheme Chairman.

The Water Officer from Marigat Sub-County Mr. Omwando commended the farmers for being hardworking by making maximum use of the donor funds of Phase 1.

 He further said that National Irrigation Board has been very kind and generous to the project beneficiaries. As a result, they have acted in a timely manner in terms of funds allocation and disbursement.

“Phase 2 development funds will improve the socio-economic status of the local community upon completion. Therefore, the incoming contractor is at liberty to discharge his duties freely without any fear and exhibit quality work and good workmanship,” Added Mr. Omwando.

Eng Ogembo leading the team to the intake site

The Chief Officer Rift Valley Region of  National Irrigation Board,  Eng. Ogendo gave a brief history of the project funding and at the same time appreciated the input of the local community farmers’ efforts for the good results coming out of Phase 1 implementations.

The contract is valued to an amount of Kenya Shillings Fifty Four (54) Million up to completion of Phase 2. These will cover all the activities mentioned in the project area only as documented. As a result of this an estimated total of 1500 acres of land up from 1000 acres of land are expected to be cultivated for use.

“Farmers whose crops are about to mature should not be disturbed during the implementation of the project. Prior arrangement should be done in favour of the farmers to avoid crop failure”. Said Eng. Ogendo

He stressed that water use during this period should be critically planned between the farmers and the contractor more especially where water diversion is required.

The resident Engineer of the  Project will be Eng. Wilson Chepkonga who will be assisted by Eng. Philip Rotich. The contract period will be 12 working months within this calendar year.

Eng. Kemei of NIB Perkerra appreciated the works to be undertaken by the contractor because it is varied and favorable to the farmers. He cited good working relations between farmers and NIB and promised to assist in constructing the roads within the project area.

The project site was officially handed over by the Project Chairman for commencement of the proposed works for site office construction and actual works implementation. The local administration assured the contractor maximum security and protection of the properties and personnel while working in the project area.

A section of farm field at Eldume irrigation scheme

On behalf of IRRICO International limited, Eng. Stephine Wambua readily accepted the site for commencement of the proposed works as stipulated in the contract document.

He said that IRRICO Company will send relevant professional expertise to the site immediately for the purpose of spearheading the project efficiently. He further said that locally available professional will be considered for hiring where necessary.

At the same time, he requested for maximum cooperation from the management for effective and quality works output. However, he promised to work consultatively and closely with the local community for the betterment of the project owners.

The Engineer promised that the company will strive to complete the proposed works within the shortest time to allow water usage potentially. This will increase acreage and crop production in the next planting season.

Honey producing Group Develops to a company

By Joyce Okuta

Kapkuikui Bee Keepers Company limited was yesterday launched in pomp and colour at Kapkuikui Location, Baringo County, to open opportunities for marketing honey.

The business development was facilitated by Baraka Agricultural College, PELUM Kenya, PELUM Uganda and Ford Foundation. This was done through PELUMs’ PESA Agro marketing model, an advocacy programme that focuses on improving small holders’ farmers’ access to markets.

In attendance were officials from the County Government, PELUM Kenya, Baraka Agricultural College and an official from Irish Foundation for co-operative Development limited.

The occasion was graced by Baringo County Director of agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries, Hon. Mary Sang. She challenged beekeepers that the production of honey in the county is low and they need to target over 100 tons per year.

“Working in groups will ensure that the targets for the quantity of honey in the county is achieved, hence reduction of poverty level,” said Hon Sang.

She asserted that farmers need to efficiently use their time in farms to ensure food security at house hold level.

Ms Ann, from PELUM appealed to the government to ensure that the policies bear the interest of the farmer and support in sustainable agricultural practices to develop honey value chain.

“Baringo is one of the leading counties in honey production, yet only 30% has been exploited,” said Ann.

 Kapkuikui Livestock Improvement self help group was formed in 2003 with 27 members, the membership has now increased to 32 and is planning to explore opportunities for medicinal honey.

“We are glad because this is a dream come true, we also realized that we can make more money by selling processed honey than crude honey.” Said Simon Chesang’, Chairman, kapkuikui Beekeepers Company limited.

Kapkuikui honey is now available in supermarkets, it is branded: Lake Bogoria Acacia honey .The Company is funded by Irish Foundation for Co-operative Development to complete construction of a honey refining factory.

Lustful Men Warned against Young girls in Baringo County

By Henry Nyamweya 

Residents of East Pokot Sub-County have been warned against marrying off school going girls. Men aspiring to marry young girls aged as low as 12 years have been put on stiff notice if they don’t desist from such indecency act.

“Preferred judgment will be leveled against the perpetrators once they are caught by the long arm of the Government.”Warned Mr. Orieny, District Officer, East Pokot.

He further reiterated that there have been rife cases whereby parents are lured into marrying off their school girls to men as old as 65 years. 

According to the Pokot culture, the girl child is supposed to undergo circumcision at an early age of between 9 to 12 years. After a one month ceremony of the rite, the girl's parents look for a man to take their girl for marriage.

The parents do not consider the age of the man taking their girl and in most cases, very old men whose age is the same as the girl's father marries the girl off for 60 goats, 30 cows and 5 to 10 camels which to them is a lot of wealth that they consider would not otherwise receive if they take their girl child to school.

The government and Non Governmental organizations are working tirelessly to ensure that the girl child is protected and gets education.

House to house check - up is likely to be conducted within the local communities to ascertain the cause of school drop out at the beginning of the year.

Perkerra Irrigation scheme farmers set to benefit from potatoe farming

By Joyce Okuta

Farmers in Marigat sub-county have a reason to smile after the National Irrigation Board (NIB) introduced a new Irish potato variety in the scheme.

Speaking during stakeholders field day on Saturday at  National Irrigation Board model farm, the extension officer Mr. Sila Openda said that they have tested 42 varieties to establish one that could do well in Baringo county which is arid and semi arid area.

“We established that Asante variety can grow well in Perkerra Irrigation scheme,” said Mr. Openda. 

The variety which was obtained from Kenya Agricultural Research Institute (KARI) in Tigoni can be rotated with tomatoes and its cost of production is cheaper compared to maize which is commonly grown in the scheme.

He added that Asante variety requires soft soil and takes a short period (3 months) to mature as compared to tomatoes.

However, just like any other crop Irish potatoes can be attacked by pests and diseases such as nematodes and bacterial wilt. This can be controlled by using pesticides.

“We will plant the Irish Potato variety because for a very long time we have been planting maize in the scheme but sometimes the yields are not enough to cater for our needs.” Said Mr. Peter Kachike, a scheme farmer.

The variety will be selected, bulked and sold to farmers at a subsidized price. Farmers are also advised to place their order at KARI Tigoni through the NIB in Marigat.