The Kenyan government has introduced a transformative irrigation initiative aimed at leveraging excess water from Lake Baringo to irrigate nearly 100,000 acres of land. This project is expected to generate approximately 100,000 jobs and stimulate a regional economy valued at KSh 40 billion.

Led by the State Departments for Irrigation and Defence, the plan is currently undergoing public consultations in Baringo County. Principal Secretaries Ephantus Kimotho (Irrigation) and Patrick Mariru (Defence) recently conducted site visits to Lakes Baringo and Bogoria, engaging local communities on the project's scope.

Project Details

  • A five-kilometre dyke will be constructed at Lake Bogoria to prevent its saline water from mixing with Lake Baringo's freshwater.
  • Excess freshwater from Lake Baringo will be diverted via engineered tunnels and a network of canals (primary, secondary, tertiary) to irrigate land in Baringo and potentially Turkana counties.
  • The irrigation scheme will operate under a private sector investment model.

Principal Secretary Kimotho emphasized that only surplus water will be extracted, ensuring the lake's water levels and ecosystem remain intact. The initial beneficiaries will be communities in Tiaty, followed by downstream agricultural areas.

Economic and Environmental Impact

  • Creation of around 100,000 direct and indirect jobs.
  • Strengthening of agro-processing industries.
  • Enhancement of climate resilience for local communities.
  • Boost to Kenya’s food and nutrition security.

Defence PS Mariru noted that President William Ruto directed the involved departments to develop sustainable solutions to prevent the merging of Lakes Baringo and Bogoria, which is a risk due to rising water levels. The collaboration aims to protect livelihoods, ecosystems, and promote long-term economic growth.

Tiaty MP William Kamket praised the initiative, highlighting its potential to safeguard residents and ecosystems while unlocking opportunities for commercial agriculture and investment in the region.

Residents have been urged to support and actively participate in the project, which aligns with the President’s vision to address climate challenges and transform North Rift into a key agricultural hub.