New Water and Irrigation Projects to Transform Lives in Taita Taveta 

Residents of Taita Taveta County are set to benefit from two transformative water and irrigation projects designed to alleviate chronic water shortages and enhance agricultural productivity.

The upgrades to the Talio Domestic Water Project and the Kamlenza Irrigation Scheme will provide reliable water access to over 6,700 people, improving livelihoods and boosting the food basket of the county.

The Talio Borehole Water Project, which was drilled and equipped by the Government of Kenya through the Coast Water Works Development Agency, has been a critical source of water for over 2,700 residents of Talio Village. 

However, the community has faced severe water scarcity, sometimes enduring weeks without a steady supply.

This scarcity has also led to increased human-wildlife conflicts in the area, as wildlife, driven by the search for water, encroaches on community land, threatening crops and livelihoods.

The improvements led by USAID’s STAWI initiative and Feed the Future, in partnership with the Taita Taveta County Government, will modernize this project by introducing solar-powered pumps and extending pipelines to ensure a consistent and affordable water supply.

Jason Oyugi, the Learning and Adaptation Advisor for USAID STAWI, emphasized the importance of collaboration with contractors for the project’s success. He urged the community to engage closely with the contractors to ensure the project meets its objectives and benefits all stakeholders.

Oyugi highlighted the need for open communication to address potential conflicts, assuring residents that channels for conflict resolution are in place. 

He acknowledged that while the project may be limited in scope, its benefits will greatly enhance water access for the community, addressing issues such as infrequent water pumping and the lengthy process of fetching water from kiosks.

The planned upgrades will include the construction of solar facilities at the borehole, an additional 50-cubic-meter reservoir, and necessary piping. 

Oyugi called on the community to support contractors to facilitate timely project completion, which will significantly alleviate the burden on women and children who often spend hours collecting water.

At Kimorigo Sub-location, the Kamlenza Irrigation Scheme aims to serve nearly 4,000 farmers by modernizing a system that has been in place for over 60 years. The current earthen channels have proven inefficient, resulting in water losses and limited irrigation capacity. 

The planned enhancements will introduce more efficient infrastructure, improving water management across 750 hectares of farmland and enabling the cultivation of crops such as bananas, thereby contributing to food security and increasing incomes for local farmers.

Governor Andrew Mwadime, who led the groundbreaking ceremonies, highlighted the transformative potential of these projects stating, “The Talio and Kamlenza projects are game changers for Taita Taveta County. By addressing water shortages, we are laying the groundwork for improved livelihoods, greater agricultural output, and long-term resilience for our communities.”

He praised the project sponsors for their initiative and urged residents to cooperate with contractors to ensure timely project completion. 

Acknowledging the water challenges faced by the community, Mwadime assured residents that comprehensive plans are in place to address these issues.

Mwadime noted that USAID STAWI has launched projects worth approximately Sh. 111 million in the County. “Yesterday, we launched another project in Taveta costing about Sh. 31 million. We also have the Talio project at Sh. 16 million, with more initiatives to follow,” he said.

In addition to the water projects, USAID STAWI plans to strengthen water resource management by establishing water and irrigation user associations within local communities. These groups will play a vital role in ensuring the sustainability of the new systems by empowering residents to take ownership of their water resources.

Robert Kisyula, Chief of Party for USAID STAWI, stated that these efforts are part of a broader initiative to improve water access in Kenya’s Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASAL) counties.

“By providing reliable water solutions for both domestic and productive needs, we are helping these communities build resilience against ongoing challenges,” he noted.