More than 700 families in Tana River County have received Green Cards covering over 2,000 acres of land in a move expected to boost food production and give farmers long-awaited ownership rights within the Bura Irrigation Scheme.
The Green Cards were issued on Monday by Irrigation Principal Secretary Ephantus Kimotho during a tour of the scheme, where he also launched the construction of two bridges aimed at improving access and protecting farms from flooding.
The exercise was part of a Presidential directive aimed at strengthening irrigation infrastructure and addressing land ownership challenges facing farmers in the area.
For many of the beneficiaries, the Green Cards represent more than just documents. They offer security of tenure and an opportunity to invest in farming with confidence after years of uncertainty.
Speaking during the event, Kimotho said the government was keen on ensuring farmers benefit fully from irrigation by securing both infrastructure and land rights.
“The issuance of Green Cards will enable farmers to secure ownership of their land and invest confidently in agricultural activities,” he said.
The PS also announced the construction of the Hirimani Bridges linking Villages 2 and 6, saying the project would improve movement within the scheme and reduce losses caused by flooding during rainy seasons.
“The Government has allocated KSh55 million for the construction of the Hirimani Bridges connecting Villages 2 and 6,” Kimotho said.
According to the State Department for Irrigation, the bridges are expected to enhance access and safety, shorten travel time within the scheme and improve surveillance of the main canal during heavy rains.
Kimotho further directed continued desilting of irrigation canals and the clearing of bushes to improve water flow, while at least 10 kilometres of access roads will be upgraded to ease the transportation of farm inputs and produce.
Bura MP Yakub Adow Kuno welcomed the developments, saying they would address long-standing concerns raised by local farmers and accelerate agricultural growth in the area.
The latest intervention forms part of the government’s broader push to expand irrigation farming and strengthen food production as Kenya seeks to reduce reliance on rain-fed agriculture.
With ownership documents now in their hands and key infrastructure projects taking shape, hundreds of Bura farmers are hoping the changes will translate into better harvests, higher incomes and a more secure future.
