Many areas of West Pokot County are known for perennial water shortages which force residents to walk long distances in search of the precious commodity exposing themselves to insecurity due to rampant cases of banditry in the region.

But this will be a thing of the past following the completion of a multi-million water project at Lomut area in Pokot Central sub-County.

The ambitious project which is funded by the government through the Kerio Valley Development Authority (KVDA) is already complete and hundreds of households are now using the water for domestic use, livestock drinking, and irrigation which is transforming the region also known for food shortages.

Under the Lomut irrigation scheme, the water project is helping pastoralists to diversify from overreliance on livestock to crop production due to water availability.

The water well at Makany village that aims at providing a sustainable solution for water shortage in the region has boosted agriculture and crop production in the region.

Ms Angeline Asiwatum, a farmer, hailed the project as a game changer in the region, noting that they will not only get food from it, but also generate income.

“Women have been the worst hit by water shortages as we have in the past been forced to walk long distances to search for water, exposing us to armed bandits. School children will also benefit from the well,” said Ms Asiwatum.

Mr Simon Maimah, another resident, said that for many years, the area has been facing challenges regarding farming, due to poor rainfall distribution experienced in the region.

“We now have access to clean water for household use and to feed our livestock. Children in schools can now quench their thirst with clean and safe water. We can now plant crops. We appreciate this support and hope to get more wells in the future,” said Mr Maimah.

KVDA Managing Director Sammy Naporos who toured the irrigation scheme accompanied by local leaders termed the project lifesaving for residents.

He noted that the water will transform the lives of farmers at the 350-acre Lomut irrigation scheme.

According to Mr Naporos, West Pokot County will receive Sh700 million to set up 15 water facilities, 10 boreholes and five(5) dams that will serve 4,500 residents and 30,000 livestock.

“Water availability is now helping smallholder farmers grow their crops throughout the year. We will do capacity building and exposure visits for farmers to know how to utilize the water,” said the official.

He noted that farming activities has been a challenge in the Lomut area as it receives little rainfall every year making it hard for the crops to survive and to practice crop diversification.

“The major drought tolerant crops grown in the area are sorghum and finger millet which is not enough for both nutritional diet and income generation,” said Mr Naporos.

He said the irrigation scheme will help farmers to engage in crop diversification which has the potential to improve economic livelihoods in the region.

“Once complete, the irrigation scheme will boost and sustain agricultural practices in the area as the smallholder farmers will not worry about the rainy season, but will continue with their crop production throughout year,” he said, adding that the irrigation project will create employment and reduce poverty levels currently in the arid region.

Sigor MP Peter Lochakapong, who is also the Regional Development chairman in the National Assembly, on his part said the irrigation project is a massive one as it will transform the lives of the people of Lomut.

He said that they have acquired Sh35 million to extend pipes from the scheme to other areas.

“There is no doubt that this project will change the lives of people in Lomut as they will not rely on rains for growing their crops,” said Mr Lochakapong.

He said through rain-fed farming, small-scale farmers in Lomut will be able to supply tomatoes, mangoes, water melons and bananas to markets as far as Chesegon, Masol, and Muino areas.

The legislator advised farmers to take advantage of the irrigation scheme to eradicate poverty.

“The water will quench the thirst of thousands of people living in Lomut and the surrounding areas and boost food security and end food shortages,” the MP said.