A visibly frustrated President William Ruto sought clarity from a Chinese contractor and Water Cabinet Secretary Eric Muuga in Busia County on Wednesday, over a proposed change in irrigation construction works. The Head of State, who was launching the Lower Nzoia Irrigation Project Phase I-Lot 2, wanted more land availed for rice farming, a mandate that the constructor said was out of scope for the project. The Lower Nzoia Irrigation Project, initiated in June 2018, is an agricultural development project aimed at enhancing food security and livelihoods in Busia and Siaya counties. Phase I of the project, which is on track for completion by May 2025, involves the irrigation of approximately 10,000 acres-1,508 hectares in Busia County and 2,535 hectares in Siaya County. President William Ruto launching the Lower Nzoia Irrigation Project Phase I, January 22, 2025.
PCS The project is designed to diversify agricultural production by allocating 50 per cent of the irrigated area to high-value fruits and vegetables, while the remaining area will support rotational crops such as rice, soybeans, maize, and legumes. However, Ruto who was visiting the site asked whether the contractor could dredge more land to create space for more rice farming. "What if we do more dredging to get more land to grow rice" Ruto asked.
He went on to inquire from the contractor and the Cabinet Secretary for Water and Irrigation Eric Muuga what is needed. The CS jumped to respond to the President saying, "Allow us to do a proper study," but Ruto jumped in telling him, "I don't want a study.
We need to complete this.
