Nyamira County government’s plan to start an irrigation scheme for its people is an idea that sounds good, but not a priority to the people.
The Gusii region has been known for its good climate, which is characterised by rain throughout the year.
Residents only complain of lack of rain which many a times lasts two to three weeks at its worst. Do we really need irrigation?
Devolution came with goodies to the people but our leaders must put their priorities right when they lay down their plans for the county.
Most of the leaders we elected into office have been initiating development projects without consulting the ordinary Mwananchi, who is a direct beneficiary of the projects.
The case of Nyamira County starting an irrigation project leaves one wondering what counties like Kitui, Machakos, Makueni, and those in dry regions will be doing. Aren’t these the counties that are in dire need of water?
The right priority for Naymira would be dealing with the infrastructure, rehabilitating the poor roads in the region.
Another project of concern, which the county can invest in, is education, as the county has in the past been noted to produce worst performing school in national exams.
The county does not either produce top students in national exams, where an average of 20 students scored grade A.
Maternal health has been a challenge in the county; cases of FGM rife and teenage pregnancies rampant.
Devolution was not set as a way for the leaders to flex muscles in terms of projects but for the people to benefit from negligence and marginalisation from the national government due to political inclinations of the people.
The most important thing however, is for leaders to set priorities right and consult the people, know exactly what they want done before initiating such projects as irrigation in a region where it rains almost every other day.