Kakuma 31st July, 2025
Stakeholders meeting in Kakuma have told the county government to improve efficiency in farm operations by mechanizing large parcels of land through the use of modern agricultural technologies to enhance food security at the county.
Drawn from Kakuma, Kalobeyei, Letea and Lopur, farmers stated climate smart technologies like drip, flood-based and sprinkle irrigation models are best suited to the Turkana context owing to the dry land farming practices. They said this during the public engagement forum on the Turkana County Agriculture Policy 2025.
Stakeholders said that farm mechanization will significantly contribute to increasing agricultural production and productivity. This is through timely operations, efficient application of inputs, and conserving soil and water resources. It has also reduced farm losses, apart from increasing cropping intensity.
They emphasized, farm mechanization will create better income returns for farmers, allowing them to invest in livestock or other activities, thereby diversifying agriculture and income sources.
This comes just days after the Agriculture technical team sought for public views after engaging farmers from various irrigation schemes at Turkwel, Loima sub-county.
One of the participants, Imo Moru from Oropoi echoed sentiments from other stakeholders saying, “it is high time for us to go mechanization way, as large tracts of land in Oropoi can be put into large scale crop farming to realize food security at household level.”
Hosea Ameripus, the Kakuma Ward Administrator inquired if the draft policy would facilitate major investments in the major food hubs at Morulem, Turkwell and Katilu and Napuu irrigation schemes. He also emphasized on industrial crop farming of sweet potatoes, groundnuts cotton and dragon fruits in parts of Turkana.
Attendees were keen to recommend the policy addresses the aspect of building the capacity of youth through extension services. It is meant to make them take interest in Agriculture. According to the research, aged farmers are the only ones interested in farming as compared to the youth, who have a lot of energy for farming.
Isaac Muoki, who represented World Vision Kenya said, the draft policy should identify social behaviour change communication as a cross-cutting issue, change of mind helps to integrate pastoralism with farming.
A farmer in Nawontos, Hellen Amiiny, said, the county government should consider establishing Tarach dam to boost agriculture along Tarch river, Loritit, Abune, Kalobeyei, Ejem, Refugee camp and Choro farm.
Ezekiel Dida, Area Manager for Sapcone urged the government to prioritize civic education and training of farmers.
Plan International, represented by Daniel Ekal indicated that safeguards and protection on No Harm Policy for the local community was missed out.
Ekal pointed out the policy should help set out the standards for the supply and regulation of farm inputs to protect farmers from unscrupulous traders.
Director of Irrigation and Land Reclamation Richard Lokoyan lauded the efforts of partners in complementing government initiatives. He called on partners to continue working together in co-planning and co-implementing to sequence, layer and integrate in impactful projects.
The Alliance of Bioversity-CIAT is supporting the policy review. Its Team Lead, Liz Ogutu said they will work closely with the county government to include the views and feedback from the community, stakeholders and farmers. We will, she said, support the government in the validation process and provide technical backstopping as the county finalizes the document.
Present was Ekal Lokuruka (Director, Litigation Services), Christine Nalemsekon and Amos Esilan (Sub-county Administration, Turkana West), Emmanuel Esau (Deputy Director, Agriculture), Dorcas Ejore (Deputy Director, Administration), and Department’s technical team; Juma Vitalis, Okita Francis, Vincent Cheruiyot, Alphonse Abolem and Lochakwaan Peter.
Representatives from Danish Church Aid, Lokado were also present. Dorcas Jalang’o, Veronica Ndetu and Esther Nzuki (The Alliance Bioversity-CIAT) were also in attendance.
