The government has announced plans to transform the social economic status of residents in areas prone to cattle rustling and banditry in North Rift through agriculture and education.
Deputy President William Ruto said it is only through changing the livelihoods of the residents that the menace that has claimed hundreds of lives over the decades can be stemmed.
Ruto announced plans to irrigate 250,000 acres of land along the Kerio Valley belt that covers Samburu, Baringo, Elgeyo Marakwet, West Pokot and Turkana counties and setting up of educational facilities to enable residents access education.
“As a government, we have instructed the National Treasury, National Irrigation Board (NIB), Kerio Valley Development Authority and Lake Victoria North Water Services Board and other government agencies to immediately implement the project,” he said.
The DP explained that irrigation of the initial 10,000 acres will start in Baringo and Elgeyo Marakwet counties within the next two years. He reiterated that the government will use all means possible to end cattle rustling.
“We have embarked on registration of all illegal arms held by civilians and those who will not register at the end of the period will be arrested and prosecuted,” Ruto said.
Speaking in Koloa along the boundary of Baringo and Elgeyo Marakwet counties after commissioning a 1,000 acre irrigation scheme to benefit the two counties, Ruto noted that the one million acre Galana Kulalu irrigation scheme project funded by the government is on course.
“The Kerio Valley region is capable of producing tones of food products owing to fertile soil, good climate and as a government, we shall not allow it to be ravaged by insecurity,” he said.
He was optimistic the government initiative will change the mindset of the residents to embrace agribusiness and shun cattle rustling.
Ruto hailed former Marakwet East MP Linah Kilimo and Tiaty MP Asman Kamam for initiating peace talks between warring Marakwet and Pokot communities.
He challenged Baringo and Elgeyo Marakwet counties to donate land to set up learning institutions that will integrate the communities.
Mr Kamama said the Tot Koloa irrigation project has ensured food supply to the communities and peaceful coexistence.
Elgeyo/Marakwet Governor Alex Tolgos said he has set aside in Sh1.5 million to fence the irrigation scheme to keep off livestock from farms.
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