The government has stepped up efforts to restore more than 1,000 acres of farmland at the West Kano Irrigation Scheme in Nyando, Kisumu County. The land had been submerged due to rising water levels in Lake Victoria, limiting farming activities. With support from the National Irrigation Authority (NIA), the reclamation project aims to expand cultivation and strengthen food production in the region.
NIA Chief Executive Officer Charles Muasya said the initiative forms part of a wider plan to improve irrigation systems and increase rice output. He noted that restoring the land will allow more farmers to engage in irrigated agriculture, improving incomes and livelihoods. The scheme currently spans about 2,830 acres and produces roughly 8,000 metric tonnes of rice per season.
With the expansion underway, annual production is projected to surpass 80,000 metric tonnes, potentially generating up to KSh 1.9 billion per season for farmers. Muasya highlighted plans to modernise infrastructure, improve water management, and build resilience against climate challenges. The project is also expected to enhance accessibility within the scheme and promote sustainable farming, as authorities move to fully utilise the available land.
