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State, Marsabit County to launch Sh2.75bn dams project to avert water crisis

Marsabit Governor Mohamud Ali when he met ASAL and Regional Development PS Kello Harsama during the announcement of the Wolda Integrated Agro-pastoralism Development Project in Marsabit County on March 11, 2024. (Photo: Marsabit County)

By Waweru Wairimu | Tuesday, March 12, 2024

The Walda Integrated Agro-Pastoral Development Project will see five mega-dams with a capacity of two million cubic metres constructed and five boreholes sunk.

The government has announced an ambitious Sh2.75 billion project to address perennial water shortages in Marsabit County and build local communities' resilience to climate change.

With pastoralism under increasing threat due to recurrent drought, the Walda Integrated Agro-Pastoral Development Project will see five mega-dams with a capacity of two million cubic metres constructed and five boreholes sunk.

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This will ensure local pastoralists do not travel longer distances to water their animals which in most cases exposes them to the risk of being attacked by cattle rustlers or clashing with their neighbours over natural resources.

The project will be undertaken through a collaboration between national and county government.

During the announcement of the project's launch on Monday, Marsabit Governor Mohamud Ali said local pastoralists would be supported to undertake fodder farming and diversify into crop farming for improved livelihoods and to beat hunger.

"Our people will be able to cultivate crops such as cereals and vegetables which will contribute to improved nutrition and achieve food security," Mohamud said when he met ASAL and Regional Development PS Kello Harsama to deliberate on the project's implementation.

Another critical component of the project is the establishment of feedlots which will help pastoralists fatten the animals so that they reach the required international weight for export. The feedlots will also help salvage emaciated animals during drought.

The feedlot is among the 31 that the government is setting up in ASAL counties to support livestock farming.

Marsabit County is on the brink of a transformative era as the Principal Secretary for the Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASAL) and Regional Development, Hon. @harsama_kello and I announced the inception of the Wolda Integrated Agro-pastoralism Development Project, a collaborative… pic.twitter.com/rGY1yI5mzK
— Gov Mohamud M. Ali, EGH (@GovMohamudAli) March 11, 2024

Marsabit is among the Arid and Semi-Arid counties where malnutrition remains high.

The project that will occupy thousands of acres of land will also support the establishment of a research centre where local farmers and pastoralists will be taught best practices for increased productivity.

"Specialists will conduct in-depth research for improved livestock and crop breed and equip farmers with modern farming methods and innovations," the Governor revealed while asking local residents to embrace new technologies and ideas that will make them more resilient to the shocks.

PS Kello said the government remained keen on supporting pastoralists in the mitigation of effects of climate change that have devastating effects on the economy and livelihoods.

"The project will help reverse the drought cycle and empower our communities through sustainable development," he said.

The project will be supervised by Ewaso Nyiro North River Basin Development Authority in partnership with the county government.