The rehabilitation and upgrading of the pumping station in the Ahero Irrigation Scheme, Kisumu has kicked off and the government is set to add 1,000 more acres of land under paddy rice production in the Kobongo expansion area, increasing agricultural output.

The project will lower the cost of operating electric pumps by Ksh 15 million annually, while also introducing a solar power system to reduce maintenance expenses, enhancing the efficiency of irrigation practices.

Enhanced production of raw materials for agro-processing in the rice value chain is expected to create 7,500 direct jobs and 15,000 indirect jobs, contributing to economic growth and livelihood improvement in the expansion area.

The expansion of irrigated land and enhanced agricultural productivity in the facility is projected to generate an additional income of Ksh 80,000,000 for farmers in the expansion area, fostering economic empowerment and poverty alleviation.

The Kenyan government, with support from the EXIM Bank of Hungary, intends to implement the Kenya Rice Surplus Plan and promote climate-resilient farming systems, contributing to food security and economic development.