The Italian government is set to launch a 10 million Euro irrigation project in Sigor, West Pokot County which is expected to boost food security in the semi arid region.
The ‘Wei Wei phase three project’ by the Italian Corporation through the Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) is set to be launched by President Uhuru Kenyatta in few weeks to come.
Italian Ambassador to Kenya Mauro Massoni said his Country is committed to ensure socio-economic empowerment of the Pastoral community.
Ambassador Mauro Massoni, who paid a courtesy call on West Pokot County Governor Simon Kachapin at his residence in Kapenguria on Wednesday, said his office was keen in supporting projects in Water, Irrigation and Education sectors in the county.
The Italian Representative who was in the county for a two day visit toured and inspected projects sponsored by the Italian government.
“I want to assure my commitment to this country in supporting projects toward community empowerment and improving living standard of the people,” he said.
Mr. Mauro visited Seker, Masol, Lomut and Sigor where his government is supporting water, irrigation and education projects in the county.
He said that the Italian government will fund farmers to implement tree nurseries.
West Pokot Governor Simon Kachapin thanked the Italian government for the noble initiative adding that the County government looks forward for more collaboration.
He said the County government will partner with the body to improve farming in the region that has great potential for agriculture.
Kachapin added that his administration is looking for other investors to partner with, to set up irrigation projects in the County to boost food security.
“We want to ensure that our people have enough food and reduce over dependence on relief food. We are currently undertaking irrigation projects in various parts of the County to empower our people,” he said.
The governor said the county government will start small scale irrigation in the area to help residents deal with hunger that is being experienced in the area.
“We don’t want residents to depend on relief food from the government and other organization, we want them to be able to produce their food,” Kachapin said.
