- Irrigation has been reduced by Sh100 million while that of the State Department for Blue Economy and Fisheries has been cut by Sh647 million.
- Bowen rooted for Corporate Social Responsibility activities to uplift the lives of the residents living near projects.
Image: HANDOUT
Allocations to the State Department for Irrigation and the State Department for Blue Economy and Fisheries have been reduced as part of government austerity measures.
Allocation to the State Department for Irrigation has been reduced by Sh100 million while that of the State Department for Blue Economy and Fisheries has been cut by Sh647 million.
These adjustments were attributed to the President's directive to implement austerity measures.
The adjustments came to the fore during consideration of the supplementary estimate No 1 for the Financial Year 2023-24.
Water, Sanitation and Irrigation CCS Zachary Njeru and Principal Secretaries Ephantus Kimotho (Irrigation) and Betsy Njagi (Blue Economy and Fisheries) appeared before the committee for consideration of the estimates.
Committee members, however, expressed concern about the unprecedented revision of the Appropriations-in-Aid (AIA) figures, occurring within the first four months of the financial year.
The substantial increase from Sh600 million to Sh1.6 billion raised questions regarding the accuracy of initial AIA submissions.
Members sought comprehensive project information, specific timelines, and a clear understanding of the objectives underpinning these projects.
They emphasized the significance of smallholder irrigation in enhancing food security and highlighted the potential of semi-arid regions to become vital food production areas in the nation.
Additionally, they requested for the procurement of drilling equipment to facilitate the creation of boreholes in the region, ultimately improving the residents' quality of life.
The Committee also communicated that they had initiated an investigation into the Soin-Koru dam project. This decision was prompted by disparities between the documented project details and the observed conditions on-site during a fact-finding mission conducted the previous week.
Bowen urged the State Department to carry out Corporate Social Responsibility activities to uplift the lives of the residents living near the projects.
“The Kenya Seed Company has been instrumental in empowering local farmers, resulting in remarkable agricultural yields. It is imperative to consider further supporting these farmers by providing them with essential equipment to enhance farming practices in the region,” he said.
Bowen noted that during a visit to the Pekerra Irrigation Scheme in Baringo, the committee observed that the residents were using contaminated water sources.
“There is an urgent need to ensure they have access to clean and safe water. It is recommended to expedite the drilling of a borehole to address this critical issue,” he said.
Kimotho assured the Committee that everything deliberated will be considered and measures taken.
Njagi emphasised to the committee the imperative need for funding the State Department. She highlighted that the Blue Economy possesses the capacity to not only transform the economy but also bring about a significant positive change in the livelihoods of the coastal communities.