Water and Irrigation CS Eugene Wamalwa said under the Nile Basin Initiative, the Riparian countries have agreed on an equitable utilization of the river’s water. [Photo:kbctv.co.ke]
The government has embarked on the multi-billion development of the Nzoia Multipurpose Hydro Power project spanning Western Kenya Counties of Busia, Bungoma, Kakamega, Trans Nzoia, Vihiga, and Siaya.
Water and Irrigation Cabinet Secretary Eugene Wamalwa says the project is aimed at resolving the perennial flooding menace at River Nzoia.
The flooding menace that has affected Budalang’i in Busia County could be resolved once a three-year project costing about 10 billion shillings in the construction of the Lower Nzoia water project is completed.
The project has been divided into two Lots; Phase One of Lot One includes the Lower Nzoia Irrigation project, while Lot Two includes the improvement of flood mitigation structures along the river.
The project which is the first of several projects on the multipurpose program that will cost over 110 billion shillings will see the region benefit from the construction of a hydro-electric power project through damming of River Nzoia.
The project is also expected to revamp the ailing sugar sector through irrigation and the introduction of high yielding sugarcane varieties.
Water and Irrigation CS Eugene Wamalwa said under the Nile Basin Initiative, the Riparian countries have agreed on an equitable utilization of the river’s water.
Among the projects under the program are; the Mount Elgon, Bungoma and Busia water project which will cost 50 billion shillings, the Mount Elgon Nzoia project that will cost 10 billion shillings, the Lower Nzoia irrigation and flood mitigation project which will cost 10 billion shillings, the Bungoma, Kakamega bulk water supply which will cost 24 billion shillings and the Upper Nzoia Irrigation project which will cost 10 billion shillings.