Lokichar – November 18, 2025 (Public Communication and Media Relations)
The County Government plans to establish a County Irrigation Development Unit (CIDU) in the current financial year as part of efforts to accelerate agricultural production by expanding land under irrigation.
The announcement was made during a sensitization workshop in Lokichar, convened by the Department of Agriculture and Land Reclamation.
Attended by the County Secretary Dr Richard Ekai, the Turkana County Public Service Board (TCPSB) Chair, Peter Ekunyuk, a team of experts from the State Department of Irrigation, members of the County Assembly, and representatives from the Office of the County Attorney.
The proposed CIDU will serve as the supervisory body mandated to develop and manage small-scale irrigation schemes and county-led public irrigation initiatives, in line with the Irrigation Act of 2019.
The unit is expected to reinforce food security by coordinating and standardizing irrigation efforts across the county.
The County Secretary underscored the centrality of food security to socio-economic development, noting that nations with stable food systems experience reduced strain on sectors such as health.
“When the government is able to feed its people, it alleviates pressure on other sectors such as health, ultimately reducing funds spent on addressing preventable conditions,” Dr Ekai said.
The TCPSB Chair affirmed the Board’s commitment to supporting the establishment of CIDU, describing it as a critical milestone for local farmers.
The County Chief Officer for Agriculture and Land Reclamation, David Maraka, emphasized the strategic importance of the unit.
“CIDU is now a requirement for counties to receive funding support from both the National Government and development partners going forward,” Maraka noted.
He called for fast-tracking of the unit’s creation as a fully functional department and commended the State Department of Irrigation for its role in facilitating the sensitization process, as guided by the Council of Governors.
He also recognized the supportive role of the Food Systems Resilience Project team led by Director Victor Lochee.
The Deputy Speaker and member of the Assembly’s Agriculture Committee, Hon. Gilbert Topos said the establishment of CIDU would enable Turkana to leverage water harvesting systems to boost food production and reduce dependence on rain-fed agriculture.
The State Department for Irrigation provided technical guidance during the workshop and committed to working closely with the Office of the County Attorney to ensure that CIDU is established in full compliance with legal and technical standards.
Attendees 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 (National Panel of Experts), Phanuel Wanjala (National Panel of Experts), Allan Nabwaga (Director, State Department of Irrigation), Hon. Ruth Kuya (MCA, Lodwar Township), Hon. Nawoyakope Aule (MCA, Kibish), and Hon. Michael Epem (MCA, Kalokol).
