West Pokot county accelerating work on over 30 projects funded by AfDB to help improve food security

West Pokot county is accelerating implementation of more than 30 projects financed by the African Development Bank (AfDB) under the Programme for Building Resilience for Food and Nutrition Security (BREFONS).

Governor Simon Kachapin says the projects are crucial in helping communities improve their livelihoods, especially through better access to water.

This follows a visit by an AfDB delegation for an annual supervision mission to assess progress and address emerging challenges.

 BREFONS, launched in 2023 as the second phase of the Drought Resilience and Sustainable Livelihoods Programme, aims to strengthen agro-pastoral production systems and improve community resilience to climate change across the county.

 During the meeting, the delegation reviewed key project components underway.

 These include the development of one irrigation scheme, 22 boreholes, four livestock sale yards, two pasture plots and two hay sheds.

 Governor Kachapin said completion of the projects would greatly benefit communities in the partly semi-arid county.

 Progress so far includes four completed livestock sale yards, eight drilled boreholes, one established pasture plot and one constructed hay shed.

  Kachapin acknowledged these achievements saying ongoing works would be accelerated to ensure remaining activities are completed within a shorter timeline.

 He singled out the Adurkoit Irrigation Scheme, which is yet to begin. The county government and AfDB team agreed to fast-track the survey, design and tendering processes early next year to ensure timely rollout.

 The governor reaffirmed the county’s commitment to partnering with AfDB to ensure BREFONS delivers its intended impact by enhancing food and nutrition security, improving livelihoods and strengthening long-term resilience for the people of West Pokot.

 He noted that water shortages and food deficiency continue to affect many residents.

 “Through the projects we will improve livelihoods and build long-term resilience for our people, who are mostly herders,” Kachapin said.

 He added that the county would work closely with AfDB to ensure smooth implementation of the multi-million shilling projects.

 The AfDB team expressed satisfaction with progress on most of the projects and pledged to speed up work to ensure completion within the set timelines.

 Kachapin said AfDB and other development partners have been instrumental in helping the county combat the effects of drought.