Trans-Nzoia Governor George Natembeya Unveils Amani and Muroki Dams to Boost Agriculture and Aquaculture

In a significant stride towards agricultural and economic advancement, Trans-Nzoia County Governor, George Natembeya, has officially commissioned the Amani and Muroki dams. Situated in Chepchoina, these dams mark a pivotal moment in the county’s agricultural landscape, aiming to revolutionize irrigation practices and promote crop diversification among local farmers.

With a combined storage capacity of millions of cubic liters, the Amani and Muroki dams are poised to become integral components of Trans-Nzoia’s irrigation infrastructure. Linked to a sophisticated irrigation system, these reservoirs will provide farmers with enhanced control over their crops, facilitating the cultivation of a diverse range of agricultural products.

Governor Natembeya emphasized the importance of crop diversification, particularly in a region where maize farming has traditionally been predominant. The introduction of tomatoes and other horticultural crops, supported by the National Agricultural and Rural Inclusive Growth Project (NARIGP) program, is expected to inject vitality into the local agricultural sector.

“Farmers have relied on maize farming for too long,” Governor Natembeya remarked. “These dams represent a new era of agricultural prosperity, offering farmers the opportunity to explore alternative crops and enhance their livelihoods.”

In addition to promoting crop diversification, the Amani and Muroki dams will facilitate the cultivation of high-value crops with shorter maturity periods, such as tea, coffee, and tissue culture bananas. The county government has pledged to support farmers in accessing markets for their produce, ensuring the success of their agricultural endeavors.

Notably, the dams have been stocked with fingerlings, signaling the county’s commitment to promoting aquaculture as a viable economic venture. The dams’ management committee plans to sell mature fish to residents at affordable prices, thereby promoting fish consumption and improving community health.

Farmers in Amani, Vamia, and Njoro farms of Chepchoina ward are poised to reap the benefits of these transformative initiatives, with the potential to significantly increase their tomato production and diversify their agricultural portfolios.

As Trans-Nzoia County charts a course towards agricultural modernization and economic empowerment, the commissioning of the Amani and Muroki dams stands as a testament to the government’s unwavering commitment to fostering sustainable development and prosperity for its citizens.