Ruto commissions Bura Gravity Canal aimed at expanding irrigation scheme
The project also relieves the local farmers at the revived irrigation scheme from the high cost of diesel pumps as they transition to gravity-powered irrigation.
President William Ruto on Thursday commissioned Bura Irrigation Scheme Gravity Canal Lot 2 which is projected to expand the irrigation scheme from its current 6,000 acres to 25,000 acres and eventually to 160,000 acres once the Grand Falls Dam is completed.
The project also relieves the local farmers at the revived irrigation scheme in Bura Constituency, Tana River county from the high cost of diesel pumps as they transition to gravity-powered irrigation.
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Addressing the residents of Bura town, the president said the project was an effort by the government to prioritise investment in agriculture to make Kenya food secure and eliminate poverty.
"The project will expand the acreage under irrigation from 6,000 to 25,000 acres, strengthening our food security agenda," he said.
Part of the Bura Gravity Canal Lot 2 which is projected to expand the irrigation scheme from its current 6,000 acres to 25,000 acres. (Photo: PCS)
He lauded the irrigation department for its commitment to steering the country to food security and eliminating hunger. He emphasised how the project will create wealth for the local farmers and reduce reliance on imports that strain Kenya's foreign exchange reserves.
The Principal Secretary for irrigation, Ephantus Kimotho who accompanied the president said investors have shown interest in private-public partnerships farming at Bura prompting the government to commit funds towards the expansion of the irrigation scheme.
He highlighted that investors have shown interest in partnering with farmers on the establishment of feedlots, mechanised rice farming, sugar cane, and high-value horticulture among others.
Kimotho said some investors are already conducting demo farms to prove their concept.
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