President William Ruto has announced plans to build 1,000 dams across the country as part of the Kenya Kwanza government’s plan to increase food production in the country.

Speaking during a church service at Kabarnet ASK Showground in Baringo on Sunday, November 13, the President said the dams’ projects will be implemented under a Public-Private partnership program.

He indicated that plans are ongoing to build the first 100 dams before extending the projects to various parts of the country.

The Head of State noted that the construction and renovation of dams in Baringo will empower livestock farmers who need water for their livestock.

“In Baringo, there are Radat, Amaya, Beregei and stalled Kimwarer and Arror dams which we plan to build for residents to have water. There is a plan to build 1000 dams but only 100 have started,” the President stated.

“Kerio Valley can be used for farming but since it lacks water and there is no dam, people count losses there. We are committed to ending water problems in Baringo, West Pokot, and Turkana.”

Ruto said relying on the government budget alone to finance the projects was not sustainable, hence the move to strike deals with the private sector.

“We are going to work with the private sector because the money from the national government is not enough,” he stated.

President Ruto also promised the construction of between 5,000 and 10, 000 housing units in Baringo county, with the help of Pension Scheme firms.

“We are coming to parliament to ask you to pass the housing funds so that we can able to support this project,” he told area Members of Parliament.

He said the projects will provide at least 20,000 job opportunities to the youth in Baringo.

At the same time, Ruto promised to provide Baringo residents with fertiliser and improved BT cotton seeds in the government’s plan to revive the cotton sector, following the lifting of the ban on Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs)

Ruto expressed optimism that his administration will revive the cotton ginneries that collapsed decades ago to boost income to households.

“The Cabinet agreed to revive and support cotton growing in the Rift, Western, Nyanza, and Eastern regions. From next month, we have a ready market in the USA for cotton products,” he said.

“We agreed to sell only three per cent of the products and we will add more space with time. We need farmers in the value chain to benefit Kenyans and create youth employment.”

To support livestock farmers, Ruto said his administration had inked a deal with the US for the leather market.

Ruto on insecurity in Baringo

On insecurity in Baringo and neighbouring counties, Ruto said the government will take decisive measures to ensure security in Kerio Valley.

“We will ensure this region is peaceful, we want our children to go to school and the people to focus on meaningful economic activities,” he said.

President Ruto asked leaders from the region to shun divisive politics and work together to serve the interests of the people.

PRESIDENT RUTO: WE WILL RESTORE PEACE IN KERIO VALLEY AND EMPOWER FARMERS

The government will take decisive measures to ensure security in Kerio Valley.

President @WilliamsRuto said the Government is determined to end cattle rustling in the region. pic.twitter.com/LhpQThhIzI

— State House Kenya (@StateHouseKenya) November 13, 2022