The government will spend Kes450 million to establish 30 water projects in counties under the Kerio Valley Development Authority (KVDA).

Ministry of Regional Development Principal Secretary Salim Dakota stated that water was one of the causes of conflicts among the pastoralist communities.

He noted that the projects, including the sinking of boreholes and the construction of water pans, would go a long way in solving conflicts that have affected the area for decades.

Speaking at Rokocho in Keiyo South Sub County when he commissioned the Rokocho honey processing factory and a borehole, the PS said once the projects are complete.

Further, he noted that his ministry will partner with the Ministry of Water to supply water to the community.

Additionally, he said that with adequate water, communities could start projects that would provide a sustainable livelihood, which would, in turn, transform their lives as the water would not only be for domestic use but also irrigation and livestock.

“We want to move away from rain-fed agriculture to irrigation, and we are sure that with water, this area will be transformed economically,” he said.

Dakota also said that plans were underway to expand the honey processing factory to serve more farmers by expanding the capacity to process 350 tons per year from the current 120 tons per year.

“Once expanded, we are hoping that more people from neighbouring counties will deliver their honey to the factory for processing,” he said.

The KVDA MD, Sammy Naporos, said the organisation bought honey worth Kes 60 million and mangoes worth Kes. 30 million from the locals last year.

KVDA operates in Elgeyo Marakwet, West Pokot, Baringo, Turkana, parts of Samburu, and Nakuru counties.