TURKANA – A technical agricultural delegation from Turkana County has conducted a study tour in Baringo County to examine the operational framework of its County Irrigation Development Unit (CIDU). Held on August 31, 2026, the visit forms part of Turkana’s strategic initiatives to scale up agricultural production and address food insecurity across the region.
The visiting team focused on Baringo’s methods for establishing, managing, and sustaining local irrigation infrastructure, as well as its strategies for actively involving farming communities. The benchmarking exercise builds on momentum from a November 2025 stakeholder sensitization workshop that recommended establishing a dedicated CIDU in Turkana County. Baringo County currently manages 35 active irrigation schemes, offering practical insights into expanding water coverage and supporting smallholder farmers in arid and semi-arid lands.
Highlighting the impact of the initiative, Baringo County Executive Committee Member for Agriculture, Livestock Development, and Fisheries, Risper Chepkonga, noted that the model has streamlined administrative oversight and expanded capacity building. She noted that through CIDU, Baringo has mapped all its irrigation schemes, developed a county irrigation strategy, and provided capacity building for farmers across the schemes.
Led by Turkana County Secretary Dr. Richard Ekai, the delegation engaged Baringo officials in high-level discussions regarding scheme management, policy formulation, and community-led farming. Dr. Ekai emphasized the shared geographical and climatic realities between the two counties, noting that irrigation is vital for long-term health and stability. He stated that irrigation remains the primary way to grow food and eradicate diseases and malnutrition, making the exposure visit essential to replicate Baringo’s success.
The study tour includes field assessments of selected irrigation schemes across Baringo, allowing the Turkana team to evaluate day-to-day operations and interface directly with farmers and management committees. The insights gathered will directly inform the establishment and operationalization of Turkana’s own CIDU.
Supported by the Food Systems Resilience Project (FSRP), the Turkana delegation includes members of the County Assembly led by Agriculture Committee Chairman Hon. William Etubon, County Public Service Board members led by Chairman Peter Ekunyuk, Chief Officer David Maraka, and technical officers from the Department of Agriculture, Irrigation, and Land Reclamation. The national government was represented by Lawrence Muriithi from the State Department for Irrigation.
