By Bernard Oketch
Homa Bay County is witnessing a major agricultural transformation through Governor Gladys Wanga’s ambitious irrigation agenda aimed at enhancing food security, increasing farmer incomes, and reducing reliance on rain-fed agriculture.
The county government is investing in irrigation projects across all sub-counties to unlock agricultural potential and promote climate-smart farming. A key success is the revitalized Kimira-Oluch Irrigation Scheme, where canal rehabilitation across 5,000 acres transformed a 2,000-acre swamp into a productive rice farming zone benefiting over 1,500 farmers. Farmers are also diversifying into sunflower, soybean, and horticulture, boosting household incomes.
The flagship Nyamaji Irrigation Project in Lambwe Ward is also progressing well, with critical infrastructure completed under Phase One. The project is expected to open up 1,500 acres for irrigation farming.
Other projects, including Sindo, Madundu, Mikuna, Nyalkinyi, and Nyandiwa irrigation schemes, alongside the construction of Okundi Dam, reflect the county’s broader strategy to strengthen water access and agricultural productivity.
These investments are positioning Homa Bay as an emerging food production hub while creating jobs, improving livelihoods, and contributing to national food security.