Irrigation Schemes in West Pokot
Weiwei Irrigation Project: Ancient to Modern
Close to the Marich Pass Field Center, and where the Marich Pass finally levels-out, splits off the second key junction along A1 Kitale-Kapenguria-Lodwar Road onto the B4 Sigor-Nakuru Road. It’s a hard afternoon’s drive of about 170 km along the B4 through Sigor and Loruk to Lake Baringo and outwith to Kabarnet. A drive down this road, although unexpectedly beautiful, is a trip through the heart of jerkwater Kenya which should be planned in good weather. There are, however, a few places of interest along the B4 Sigor-Nakuru Road that are within striking distance of Marich Pass Field Center to include the Weiwei irrigation scheme.
Weiwei irrigation scheme is situated just 9 km from Marich Pass Field Center, at Weiwei, and along River Weiwei. The Weiwei Scheme was begun many centuries ago (exact date unknown) by the locals inhabitants (the Pokot), who tap water from the gorge of the Wei Wei River and lead it through contour canals, to irrigate their fields on the alluvial fanland. This ancient farming innovation is thought to be a localised adaptation of the Marakwet Irrigation Furrows in Elgeyo Marakwet County, that exhibit a considerable level of ingenuity in their methods of irrigation.
The traditional Weiwei model was improved and mechanized in 1987 with the establishment of a pilot farm of 50 hectares. Over the decades, these canals and spillways have taken beautifully to the lay of the land, to create a landscape that illustrates human ingenuity and a respect for nature. A total of 300ha out of a target of 700ha were next reclaimed. 225 plots on the on the valley floor were allocated to farmers. Each plot had a hydrant fed from an underground pipe network and equipped with galvanised steel irrigation laterals, raisers and sprinklers. The plots were levelled at a slight slope to allow adequate drainage.
Phase one was completed in 2018. Phase 3, to support 600 households, launched in 2016, is now fully operational. Under the new phase, each household owns a module of 1200 acres of land. Today, Weiwei integration program has been the bread basket of West Pokot, Turkana, Baringo and Trans-Nzoia. The products from the scheme go up to Kitale and Eldoret towns. The main crop cultivated is maize.
Kenya has implemented various irrigation schemes to improve agricultural productivity, ensure food security, and promote economic development. Irrigation plays a crucial role in Kenya’s agricultural sector, particularly in areas prone to drought and erratic rainfall, by providing a reliable source of water.
Index of Irrigation Schemes in Kenya
Bomet County - Nogirwet Irrigation Scheme, Chebara Irrigation Scheme, Baringo County - Perkerra Irrigation Scheme, Busia County - Bunyala Irrigation Scheme, Kocholia Irrigation Scheme, Embu County - Kaagari-Gaturi Irrigation Scheme, Mwea Rice Irrigation Scheme, Migori County - Lower Kuja Irrigation Scheme, Lower Sabor Irrigation, Rwabura Irrigation Development Project, Tana River County - Bura Irrigation Development Project, Galana Kulalu Irrigation Development, Turkana County - Turkana Irrigation Irrigation Project, West Pokot County - Wei-wei Irrigation Scheme
outlook
Touring West Pokot County in Kenya offers a chance to explore a region known for its iconic, rugged landscapes, vibrant cultures, and rich traditions. Located in the extreme northwest part of the country, bordering Uganda, West Pokot County is primary inhabited by the Pokot community, known for their pastoralist lifestyle.
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Explore Destinations Nearby Wei Wei Irrigation Scheme
A Guide to West Pokot County
A Summa Digest of West Pokot
About West Pokot Way Back When
32 Destinations in West Pokot County, arranged as one would visit these - south to northeast - with the aid of narratives, images, strip maps and distance chart:
Kaisagat Viewpoint, Barnley's Guest House, Kapkoris Hill Viewpoint, Dini ya Roho Church, Mount Murpus, Chewoyet High School, Kapenguria Museum, Kapenguria Town, Chelanga Gardens, Tartar Falls, Kacheliba, Holy Cross Church Kacheliba, Alale Gold Mines, Suam River Beach, Kamatira Forest, Lounon Village, Cherangani Hills, Marich Pass, Marich Pass Center, Kang'alan Escarpment, Kolloa Cross Monument, Weiwei Irrigation Scheme, Tamkal Valley, Mount Koh, Sekerr Range, Mount Mtelo View Lodge, Nasolot National Reserve, Turkwel Dam, Turkwel Gorge, State Lodge, Riting
Know More About West Pokot County: Geography, Land-Use, Highlights, Population, Roads - including a distance chart, Airports, Climate & National Monuments
West Pokot County is marked by a variety of topographic features – dry plains in the north, a hatful of ranges and hills in the mid, and in the south east Cherangani Hills.
West Pokot has significant variations in temperature with the lower lands experiencing temperatures of up to 33oC, and highlands experiencing modest temperatures of 15oC. The main rainy seasons usually occur between March and June and July to August.