Cabinet Secretary for Water, Sanitation and Irrigation Eng. Eric Mugaa has assured Parliament that the government is ready to roll out large-scale irrigation projects along the Turkwel–Lokichar corridor as part of efforts to boost food security and drought resilience in northern Kenya.
Appearing before a joint sitting of the National Assembly and Senate Energy Committees, the CS said the ministry has completed critical planning and infrastructure assessments for irrigation schemes in West Pokot and Turkana County.
The session was chaired by Danson Mungatana and attended by senior officials, including the Principal Secretary for Irrigation, Ephantus Kimotho.
CS Mugaa told lawmakers that the projects have been designed with climate risks in mind, noting that water abstraction and supply plans now factor in drought cycles, rainfall variability, and long-term environmental sustainability.
“We are not just building for today. These projects are climate-smart and future-ready,” he said, adding that the corridor has the potential to become a major food production zone if supported with reliable water systems.
The Turkwel–Lokichar region has long faced water scarcity and recurring droughts, limiting agricultural productivity.
The proposed irrigation projects are expected to open up thousands of acres for farming, create jobs, and stabilize livelihoods in the arid and semi-arid counties.
The Energy Committees are expected to review the proposals and make recommendations to support funding and implementation.