•The Project is Aimed at to Boosting Food Security and Livelihoods
Marigat, Baringo County| The Kenyan government, through the Kerio Valley Development Authority (KVDA), has initiated a transformative Sh400 million rehabilitation project for Chemeron Dam in Baringo County.
This ambitious undertaking aims to restore the dam, originally constructed in 1986 during the administration of the late President Daniel Arap Moi, to its full capacity, benefiting over 50,000 residents and more than 120,000 livestock in the arid and semi-arid region.
The project, launched with a groundbreaking ceremony led by Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASALs) and Regional Development Principal Secretary Kello Harsama, marks a significant step toward enhancing food security, improving livelihoods, and promoting climate resilience in Baringo County.
The rehabilitation will be executed in phases, with the initial Sh100 million phase focusing on desilting a quarter of the dam to restore its water storage capacity.
Revitalizing a Vital Resource for Baringo
Chemeron Dam, located in Marigat, has long been a lifeline for the local community, supporting both domestic water needs and agricultural activities.
However, years of siltation have significantly reduced its capacity, limiting its ability to serve the region effectively. Once fully rehabilitated, the dam is expected to hold up to 25 million liters of water, enabling irrigation across 6,000 acres of farmland.
This expansion is poised to transform Baringo into a food-secure region, with surplus produce available for sale to neighboring areas.
Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony, PS Harsama emphasized the project’s importance in addressing the challenges faced by ASAL communities.
“The restoration of Chemeron Dam is a game-changer for the people of Baringo. It will guarantee food security, provide a sustainable water supply for domestic and agricultural use, and create economic opportunities through agribusiness,” he said.
He further highlighted the government’s commitment to revitalizing critical infrastructure in ASAL regions to foster resilience against climate change.
A Multi-Phased Approach to Restoration
The rehabilitation project is structured in phases to ensure efficient resource allocation and timely completion. The first phase, funded at Sh100 million, will focus on desilting a significant portion of the dam to restore its water-holding capacity.
Subsequent phases will address structural improvements, water management systems, and the integration of modern irrigation technologies to maximize the dam’s utility.
KVDA Chairperson Mark Chesergon assured stakeholders of the authority’s dedication to completing the project on schedule.
“We are committed to transforming livelihoods in Baringo and other ASAL regions through strategic interventions like the Chemeron Dam rehabilitation. This project will not only restore the dam but also serve as a catalyst for economic growth and sustainable development,” he stated.
Community Engagement and Agricultural Empowerment
The launch event saw active participation from local leaders, including Baringo Governor Benjamin Cheboi and area MP Charles Kamuren, who both underscored the project’s potential to uplift the region.
Governor Cheboi urged farmers to adopt modern agricultural practices to maximize the benefits of the restored dam. “This is an opportunity for our farmers to embrace best practices in irrigation farming and agribusiness to improve yields and incomes,” he said.
MP Kamuren called on the youth to seize the opportunities presented by the project, particularly in agribusiness. “The future of Baringo lies in agriculture. I encourage our young people to explore agribusiness ventures that can leverage the water and land resources this dam will provide,” he noted.
As part of its broader commitment to agricultural development, the KVDA distributed 20,000 mango seedlings to local farmers during the launch.
This initiative aims to promote fruit farming as a viable economic activity, complementing the dam’s role in supporting irrigation-based agriculture.
Additionally, the KVDA announced plans to rehabilitate other dams in the region, further expanding access to water for both domestic and agricultural purposes.
A Step Toward Climate Resilience and Food Security
The Chemeron Dam rehabilitation aligns with the government’s broader agenda of enhancing climate resilience and food security in Kenya’s ASAL regions.
By restoring critical water infrastructure, the project addresses the challenges of water scarcity and erratic rainfall patterns, which have long hindered agricultural productivity in Baringo.
The dam’s expanded capacity will enable year-round farming, reducing reliance on rain-fed agriculture and mitigating the impacts of drought.
The project also complements national efforts to achieve sustainable development goals, particularly those related to zero hunger, clean water, and economic growth.
By empowering local communities with reliable water resources and agricultural opportunities, the government aims to reduce poverty and foster self-reliance in Baringo County.
Looking Ahead: A Blueprint for ASAL Development
The rehabilitation of Chemeron Dam is a flagship initiative under the KVDA’s mandate to drive development in the Kerio Valley and other ASAL regions.
With plans to rehabilitate additional dams and expand irrigation infrastructure, the authority is laying the groundwork for a more resilient and prosperous future for Baringo’s residents.
As the project progresses, stakeholders are optimistic about its potential to transform the region’s socio-economic landscape.
The combination of restored water infrastructure, modern farming techniques, and community engagement initiatives positions Baringo as a model for sustainable development in Kenya’s arid regions.
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