Busia County will benefit from Sh350 m World Bank project aimed at enhancing institutional framework and strengthening capacity for water security and climate resilience along the Lower Nzoia region.
Kenya Water Security and Climate Resilience Programme manager, Chrysanthus Gicheru said the programme will focus on irrigation scheme, construction of dykes and improving catchment areas which are prone to floods.
Speaking when the team paid a courtesy call to Busia Governor Sospeter Ojaamong in his office, Gicheru said the programme will include an irrigation scheme on the Lower Nzoia River located in Siaya and Busia Counties.
"The flagship project is expected to contribute to food security, economic growth and enhanced climate resilience for farmers in the flood prone area. The project will improve access to water and sanitation," he said.
He added that the terms of reference is for consultancy services to support the implementation of the project in partnership with the County Government, National Irrigation board and WARMA.
Gicheru said the terms of reference will be completed by February with tendering process to be done in March.
The Government of South Korea has donated the funds through the World Bank. Ojaamong thanked the World Bank for including Busia County in its programmes saying it will go a long way in alleviating floods challenges along the Lower Nzoia region.
"My government will partner with the World Bank in ensuring that the project takes off to completion. Stakeholders from the county will also be trained on disaster and El Nino preparedness," he said.
County Executive Committee member for water and sanitation Bernard Yaite said the funding will help in early warning detection in case of floods.
The funds will also go towards equipping Bulala FM to enable the Budalangi based radio station to give accurate data on weather changes.
KWSCR's main objective is to improve water security and build climate resilience in Kenya.