This archive report was first published on 30 June 2020.
On June 30, 2020, the Ministry of Agriculture released Ksh 138 million to settle debts owed to cane farmers in Kakamega County.
According to Governor Wycliffe Oparanya, he has already received the funds from the Cabinet Secretary (CS) of Agriculture Peter Munya and the farmers would receive their monies in the course of this week.
Speaking at a COVID-19 disease sensitization meeting for elders from Kakamega County at Masinde Muliro University, Governor Oparanya outlined several flagship projects aimed at promoting socio-economic development in the region.
These projects include the revival of the sugar, coffee, BT Cotton, and dairy sectors, the construction of check dams and dykes along River Nzoia to control flooding, and the upgrading of the Kakamega air strip to an international airport.
Other projects include the construction and completion of ongoing roads projects, rehabilitation of infrastructure destroyed by floods, and the establishment of a gold smelting industry in Kakamega.
Meanwhile, the elders and area leaders unanimously agreed that Governor Oparanya, Devolution CS Eugene Wamalwa, and COTU Secretary Francis Atwoli would be the spokespersons of the region.
Elsewhere, the expansion of the multi-million Thiha-Sagana irrigation project in Nyeri County has commenced with its completion expected to change the economic fortunes of local people.
The project, which will provide both drinking and irrigation water to over 1,500 people, recently received an injection of Ksh.34 million.
Located in Mukurwe-ini sub-county, the project is projected to benefit tens of farmers, including some 500 who practice sweet potato farming, and is expected to be completed by the end of this year.
