Kericho County government to drill boreholes to boost farmers’ fortunes

Residents of Soin in the semi-arid Soin/ Sigowet constituency in Kericho County are set to benefit from borehole water and a 21,000 cubic meters water pan.

Speaking during a tour of the 21M water litres project the county is constructing at Soin Farmers Training Centre (FTC), Governor Paul Chepkwony said it is expected to relieve residents the agony of traveling long distances in search of water.

“Funds have been set aside for the drilling of a borehole in Soin as well as construction of a water pan for irrigation purposes and the county’s farm and where area residents can fetch water for the domestic purposes,” said Chepkwony.

The governor added that construction a 30-bed capacity hostel, a dining and conference hall was ongoing at the 100 acres Soin Farmers Training Centre.

“We aim at making it an innovation and business centre for local residents whereby anyone with an idea can visit the facility and share his or her ideas with like-minded people,” he said.

County agriculture executive Paul Chepkwony said they had set the centre as semi-autonomous institution for the purpose of conducting business.

“The facility will be used to train farmers on various agricultural activities,” said Eng Chepkwony.

His finance counterpart Patrick Mutai said funds had been set aside to buy four tractors which would be leased to farmers.

County Assembly leader of majority Daniel Rono said Soin soils and climate is perfect for fruits farming and with irrigation, the county has a bright future.