COUNTY HANDS OVER BAHARINI DAM PHASE II PROJECT TO BOOST IRRIGATION AND AQUACULTURE

The County Government of Kakamega has today handed over the Phase II Establishment of an Integrated Irrigation and Aquaculture System at Baharini Dam in Lugari Sub-County to Jaliya Contractors. The project, being implemented under the Financing Locally-Led Climate Action (FLLoCA) Programme, is aimed at enhancing agricultural productivity and promoting commercialization in line with Governor Fernandes Barasa’s Wealth Creation Pillar.

The Phase II works will include the installation of two 10,000-litre water tank, extension of the irrigation pipeline to farmlands, bush clearing, and other associated works aimed at improving water distribution for irrigation and aquaculture activities.

Speaking during the handover ceremony, the Chief Officer for Agriculture, Mr. Emmanuel Kariuki, urged members of the beneficiary community to take ownership of the project by protecting the infrastructure and making proper use of it once completed.

“This project presents an opportunity to transform livelihoods through irrigation farming and aquaculture. I urge the community to embrace it, safeguard the facilities, and work together to ensure it delivers lasting socio-economic benefits,” he said.

Upon completion, the integrated irrigation and aquaculture system is expected to increase access to reliable irrigation water, enhance fish farming, boost food production, strengthen food security, and create sustainable livelihood opportunities for residents of Lugari Sub-County.

Also present during the handover ceremony were the Director of Agriculture, Mr. Titus Omengo, county officials, local leaders, representatives of Jaliya Contractors, and members of the beneficiary community.