PROJECT
COMPONENTS
The project successfully completed key civil works, including irrigation infrastructure, access roads, and water control structures to support agricultural productivity.
Irrigation
Infrastructure
Diversion
Wier
Fully Complete
Main
Canal
All sections including lining and drainage are complete
Other
Canal
Tertiary canals and Feeder canals construction ongoing
Bunyala Scheme
Rehabilitation fully completed
Irrigation Infrastructure
The project successfully completed key civil works, including irrigation infrastructure, access roads, and water control structures to support agricultural productivity.
Lower Nzoia Irrigation Project is in located in Siaya and Busia Counties. It is aimed to boost agricultural productivity and livelihoods by providing year-round irrigation.
Impact Highlights:
✅2,100 smallholder households supported (approx. 12,600 people)
✅ 8,000+ seasonal farm workers engaged
✅ 50,000 indirect beneficiaries from agri-economy growth
✅ Strong focus on women’s participation (50% of farmers)
The scheme covers 14 blocks with a total area of 5,554 Ha, including a net irrigation area of 4,077 Ha. The Bunyala Irrigation Scheme, which covers 200 Ha, is being rehabilitated, with an additional 500 Ha area included.
![Lower Nzoia - Floods]_edited.jpg](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/ed39f7_fc95deed0c0a4ddfb31a6d1c7aba0d69~mv2.jpg/v1/crop/x_151,y_0,w_442,h_408/fill/w_442,h_408,al_c,q_80,enc_avif,quality_auto/Lower%20Nzoia%20-%20Floods%5D_edited.jpg)
Flood Mitigation Structures
Communities along the Lower Nzoia River have experienced significant livelihood losses due to recurring floods. To address this, the project has strengthened 34 kilometers of existing flood mitigation structures (dykes), providing protection to over 66,000 people and surrounding farmland.
Achievements:
✅Rehabilitated and upgraded of 34 km of dykes along the River Nzoia to control floods
✅ 66,700 people, agricultural land and property are now protected from seasonal floods
✅ Improved community safety and resilience in flood-prone areas
These efforts have significantly reduced flood-related risks, contributing to long-term climate resilience and sustainable agricultural productivity across the region.
Watershed Management
This initiative focuses on conserving natural resources and strengthening community resilience through integrated watershed management.
Key activities included:
✅ Riparian land marking and restoration
✅ Tree and bamboo planting to support ecosystem rehabilitation
✅ Implementation of soil and water conservation practices
✅ Support for community-led livelihoods such as beekeeping, poultry, fish farming, and dairy farming
These activities were implemented in close collaboration with local Water Resource Users Associations (WRUAs) and community-based organizations (CBOs), ensuring sustainability and strong community ownership.
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Upgrading the Nzoia Flood Forecasting AND Early Warning System
The project has enhanced the flood forecasting and early warning system in the Nzoia Basin to keep communities safer through timely, accurate alerts that reduce risk, protect lives, and support safer evacuations.
The system offers:
✅ Faster alerts
✅ Expanded monitoring coverage
✅Improved communication with local communities
The Water Resources Authority (WRA) has developed six national water basin plans to guide equitable and sustainable water allocation and trained staff on basin-wide water management and upgraded the flood forecasting and early warning system in the Nzoia Basin, enabling real-time monitoring and data transmission to the Kenya Meteorological Department.
