Turkwel – April 8, 2026 (Public Communication and Media Relations)

During his visit to assess major water and irrigation infrastructure in Turkana, Permanent Secretary for the State Department of Water and Irrigation, Ephantus Kimorho has announced KES 460 million investment to revamp the Turkwel Earth Dam and bring back Turkwel Irrigation Scheme to life.

The visit is aimed at assessing Turkwel Dam and other planned irrigation initiatives in the county, in a bid to enhance food security.

The move, supported by the County Government, is intended to evaluate the condition of the major irrigation schemes and their support dams, land mapping, and the progress made by the State Department for Irrigation in the region.

During the tour to Nanyee and Tisa Irrigation Schemes in Loima, David Maraka, the County Chief Officer for Agriculture and Land Reclamation, welcomed the PS, emphasized the significance of collaboration between the County and National Governments in tackling food insecurity.

“We are encouraged that preparations are underway by the State Department for Irrigation to begin the work before the close of this financial year,” Maraka stated, highlighting the critical need for improved water supply in the region.

He pointed out that silted and blocked canals pose significant challenges for local farmers, forcing them to create their own makeshift irrigation systems.

“This issue has compelled farmers to dig their own small canals. It is imperative that both levels of Governments focus on addressing these infrastructure gaps to enhance food production,” he added.

In response, PS Kimotho confirmed that the State Department is collaborating with the County Government to rehabilitate essential infrastructure, including the Earth Dam, which is expected to improve water availability for at least 14 irrigation schemes in the area.

“Turkana has significant untapped potential, with Kerio and Turkwel rivers along with seasonal flows from Ethiopia. If harnessed effectively, these resources could transform the County into a major food basket, capable of feeding not only its residents but also neighboring counties,” Kimotho remarked.

The Turkwel Dam Project is part of a broader National initiative targeting the development of 200,000 acres under irrigation in Turkana, contributing to Kenya’s overall goal of irrigating 2 million acres.

A key component of this plan, Kimathi said, includes the reconstruction of a dam with a capacity of 2.6 million cubic meters, which will draw water from the Turkwel River, located approximately 2.8 kilometers away.

Both county and national leaders described the initiative as a transformative step toward achieving food security, emphasizing that enhanced collaboration will reduce reliance on relief food and position Turkana as a future agricultural hub.

Later in the day, the team led by PS Kimotho launched a KES 10 million micro-irrigation project at Alfred Powery School in Turkana Central, aimed at improving food security, nutrition, and agricultural education.

Present during the visit were Aaron Nanok (Director, Agriculture)
Richard Lokoyan (Director, Irrigation and Land Reclamation), Jackson Ewat (Deputy Director, Irrigation and Land Reclamation), several officials from the State Department for Irrigation and representatives from the Ministry of Interior and National Administration.