The Senate Committee on Agriculture, Chaired by Sen. Njeru Ndwiga, conducted a site visit to Usueni/Wikithuki Irrigation Scheme Project, Kitui County.
The Committee was accompanied by Hon. Kalonzo Musyoka, Mwingi North MP, Hon. Paul Nzengu, Kitui MP, Hon. Irene Kasalu and various Members of the County Assembly, Kitui.
The Delegation was met by Eng. Charles Muasya Ag. Deputy General Manager Irrigation and Infrastructure Development Services (National Irrigation Authority).
Mr. Muasya, who is one of the main architects of the Irrigation Scheme, advised the delegates of the following challenges, suggestions and benefits of the project, which were but not limited to:
1. High cost of power
2. Frequent power outage in the area
3. Farmers having to travel long distances to the project
4. Due to the high cost of power the project is currently not sustainable and as a solution to this problem there was the suggestion of investing in solar energy which would significantly reduce costs and improve sustainability of the project
5. The project could highly benefit from the inclusion of other stakeholders such as County Governments
6. The introduction of a gravity system would be a game changer in the area which would directly increase irrigated land by 20,000 acres
7. It was estimated that the project could generate Kes 900Mn annually, if well managed
8. Since the project is people driven it would also ensure food Security and
9. Full potential of turning round the economy of the country.
Other Senate Committee Members present at the site visit were Vice Chair Kitui County, Sen. Enoch Wambua and Trans-Nzoia Sen. Michael Mbito.
