The Turkana County Government has announced plans to establish a County Irrigation Development Unit (CIDU) in the current financial year, aiming to accelerate agricultural production by expanding irrigated land.
The announcement was made during a sensitization workshop held in Lokichar and convened by the Department of Agriculture and Land Reclamation. The session brought together County Secretary Dr. Richard Ekai, Turkana County Public Service Board (TCPSB) Chair Peter Ekunyuk, experts from the State Department of Irrigation, members of the County Assembly, and representatives from the Office of the County Attorney.
CIDU is envisaged as the supervisory unit responsible for developing and managing small-scale irrigation schemes and county-led public irrigation projects, as outlined in the Irrigation Act of 2019. The unit is expected to enhance food security by harmonizing and strengthening irrigation initiatives across the county.
Dr. Ekai emphasized the broader importance of food security, noting its impact on other sectors. “When the government can feed its people, it alleviates pressure on other sectors such as health, ultimately reducing funds spent on addressing preventable conditions,” he said.
TCPSB Chair Ekunyuk reaffirmed the Board’s support for the establishment of CIDU, calling it a vital step forward for farmers in Turkana.
County Chief Officer for Agriculture and Land Reclamation, David Maraka, highlighted the strategic relevance of the unit, stating, “CIDU is now a requirement for counties to receive funding support from both the National Government and development partners going forward.” He urged swift action to operationalize the unit and lauded the State Department of Irrigation for facilitating the sensitization process, with guidance from the Council of Governors. Maraka also acknowledged the support of the Food Systems Resilience Project team, led by Director Victor Lochee.
Deputy Speaker and member of the Assembly’s Agriculture Committee, Hon. Gilbert Topos, noted that establishing CIDU would enable Turkana to maximize water harvesting systems to increase food production and reduce reliance on rain-fed farming.
During the workshop, the State Department for Irrigation offered technical guidance and pledged to collaborate with the Office of the County Attorney to ensure that CIDU is set up in accordance with legal and technical requirements.
Participants included Richard Lokoyan (Director, Irrigation and Land Reclamation), Jackson Ewat (Deputy Director, Irrigation and Land Reclamation), Josephine Emase (Deputy Director, Livestock Production), Joyce Elimu (Legal Officer, Office of the County Attorney), Lawrence Muriithi and Phanuel Wanjala (National Panel of Experts), Allan Nabwaga (Director, State Department of Irrigation), and MCAs Hon. Ruth Kuya (Lodwar Township), Hon. Nawoyakope Aule (Kibish), and Hon. Michael Epem (Kalokol).
