The National Assembly’s Regional Development Committee has visited various development projects in the North Rift and Mombasa Regions funded by KVDA and the Coast Development Authority respectively.
The Committee which was divided into two segments inspected projects meant to lift the life of communities targeted particularly in Arid and Semi-Arid regions.
A section of Members of the Committee led by its Chairperson Hon. Peter Lochakapong toured the region to establish progress on development projects which hold great socio-economic benefits for hundreds of families and greater residents of the region.
A second group visited the Kerio Valley Development Authority (KVDA) where they inspected the Kerio Roses Conservancy Project, initially a rose farm for exporting flowers that later evolved into a drought mitigation project.
Led by the leader of the delegation, Hon. Salah Farah Yakub, also visited Yokot and Etio Dam.
The Managing Director of KVDA, Mr. Sammy Naporos assured Committee Members that all dams will be completed by the end of January 2025.
Residents of Elgeyo Marakwet who are beneficiaries of KVDA projects hailed the Committee for what they termed advocating for funding North Rift Projects.
Speaking after meeting the Committee they reiterated the need for more funding to KVDA so as to expand its projects.
“KVDA has done a tremendous job to uplift the life of locals. We urge this Committee to increase the funding in the next financial year,” said one of the residents.
Members of the Committee led by Hon. Salah Yakubu allayed fears of disbanding Regional Development Authorities and assured locals that they would oppose proposals to disband the authorities. Members indicated that the regional development authorities have a great impact on local communities and must be left alone.
During the tour, the Committee also visited the Chebagon water pan serving 3,000 households in Marakwet East before visiting the Tot Mango processing factory in Elgeyo Marakwet County.
While in the Mombasa Region, the Committee toured the Boji Farmers Irrigation Project and the Wayu Boru Water Pan Project in Hola and Galole Constituencies, Tana River County.
Members established that the Boji Farmers Irrigation Project supports small-scale farmers in their agricultural pursuits though it was reported to be undergoing some challenges owing to the re-direction of its main water source which is River Tana.
The Ag. Managing Director of the Coast Development Authority, Ms. Pamela Maghera advised that the course of River Tana needs to be redirected to its course to revive the project.
The Wayu Boru Water Pan Project located in the Galole area is expected to harvest 12,000 cubic litres of surface water benefiting the residents who are currently struggling with acute water shortage.
Both delegations will be visiting other remaining development projects in the regions.
