Morulem, 12 July 2025 (Public Communication and Media Relations) – The leadership of the Morulem Irrigation Scheme in Turkana East has welcomed the County Government’s decision to construct the first seed bank in the area, describing it as a crucial climate-resilient facility that will strengthen food security for local farmers.
The announcement follows a recent visit by officials from the County Government and the Seed Savers Network to assess the suitability of Morulem, Lokubae, and Elelea irrigation schemes to host the facility.
Chairperson of the Morulem Scheme, Ezekiel Ewokit, expressed gratitude for the proposed development, calling it a major relief for farmers in the three irrigation schemes.
“Morulem is centrally located and strategic to the other schemes. Being the oldest, it deserves the honour of hosting the seed bank,” said Ewokit.
He later led officials in handing over the proposed construction site, located next to the main scheme offices. The plot, measuring 8.6 by 4.2 metres, was identified as suitable for the facility.
The seed bank will consist of two rooms—one for storing seeds and another to operate as a shop for selling seeds and essential household items needed by farmers.
Ewokit also thanked the County Government for recent support, including the distribution of relief food and farm inputs to local farmers.
The scheme leadership noted that climate change has made it increasingly difficult for farmers to preserve seeds until the next planting season. The new facility is expected to help address this challenge.
Director of Agriculture, Aaron Nanok, praised the Seed Savers Network for supporting farmers in Turkana East.
“Turkana East faces food and nutrition insecurity. This seed bank will ensure year-round availability and access to seeds, which will support local economic growth and sustainable livelihoods,” said Nanok.
He noted that the County Government has previously relied on buying certified seeds from other counties. With a local seed bank, he said, Turkana will be able to procure seeds internally and distribute them to farmers in a timely manner.
Seed Savers Network Programme Officer, Dalmus Mitei, confirmed that following a thorough assessment of the three irrigation schemes, Morulem met all requirements for hosting the seed bank.
Mitei assured farmers that construction would begin the following Tuesday using locally available natural materials. He said the facility is expected to be completed by early August 2025 and will have a storage capacity of 30 bags of seed, each weighing 90 kilograms.
He added that 3,528 farmers in the Morulem Scheme would benefit from capacity-building sessions and exchange visits to established seed banks in Baringo, Gilgil, Nairobi, and other locations.
Mitei also reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to sourcing seeds locally. He said the network would buy green gram, sorghum, and maize seeds from local farmers at KSh 400 and KSh 300 per kilogram, respectively.
Committee members present during the visit included Kurono Echwa, Nelson Ekomwa, Ekuwom Awesit, Anna Ekitela, Akadeli Arwoto, Eput Eramram, Eyanae Kaaman, David Ekeno, and Jackson Lochudio.
