The government has begun public participation on a proposed irrigation project that it says could create about 100,000 jobs and generate an economy worth nearly Sh40 billion by using excess water from Lake Baringo.
Principal Secretary for Irrigation Ephantus Kimotho and Principal Secretary for Defence Patrick Mariru on Tuesday led a site inspection of Lakes Bogoria and Baringo and met local communities in Baringo County as part of the consultation process on the proposed intervention.
The project proposes the construction of a five-kilometre dyke at Lake Bogoria to prevent its saline water from mixing with the freshwater of Lake Baringo.
It also proposes the evacuation of excess water from Lake Baringo through engineered tunnels into a network of canals to irrigate about 100,000 acres in Baringo and potentially Turkana counties under a private sector investment model.
Speaking during the public participation forum, Kimotho said technical studies had confirmed that only excess water from Lake Baringo would be abstracted, ensuring the lake's natural level is maintained while protecting its freshwater ecosystem.
He said communities around Tiaty would be the first beneficiaries before surplus water is conveyed downstream to support commercial agriculture.
Kimotho said the project has the potential to create about 100,000 direct and indirect jobs, strengthen agro-processing, unlock the region's agricultural potential, enhance climate resilience and contribute to Kenya's food and nutrition security.
Mariru said President William Ruto had directed the State Departments for Defence and Irrigation, working with other government agencies, to develop long-term interventions to prevent Lakes Baringo and Bogoria from merging.
He said the collaboration would bring together engineering expertise and technical capacity to deliver solutions aimed at protecting communities, livelihoods and the environment from the effects of rising lake water levels.
Tiaty MP William Kamket welcomed the proposed project, saying it would help address the impacts of climate change and rising lake water levels while creating opportunities for irrigation, commercial agriculture, investment and economic development in Baringo County.
Kimotho called on local communities to support the project and participate throughout its implementation, saying it is intended to provide a lasting response to the challenges posed by rising water levels in Lakes Baringo and Bogoria while supporting agricultural production in the region.
