President William Ruto has said irrigated agriculture remains key to the reduction of poverty and attainment of food security in the country.
He said interventions aimed at increasing water availability for livelihood and domestic activities have great potential to transform the lives of rural communities through farming.
President Ruto said his administration will continue to improve access to water for irrigation through the construction of dams and water pans across the country.
"Our investment in processing and value addition is meant to reduce post-harvest losses, eliminate brokers and encourage youth to pursue farming by availing a ready market and guaranteed returns," said President Ruto.
The President made the remarks during the opening of the Bura Irrigation and settlement scheme rehabilitation and project headworks gate and inspection of gravity canal works, in Tana River County.
The Head of State noted that the rehabilitation of the Bura Irrigation Scheme will increase the land under cultivation from 12,000 to 25,000 acres.
He argued that the implementation of the project will ensure a reliable water supply, which will improve agricultural productivity.
While at Galole, the President commissioned the Integrated Fruit Processing Plant, which will boost the earnings of fruit farmers in the region.
The facility has created 200 employment opportunities and has trained over 1,000 farmers on good agricultural practices.
He also issued Fisheries Community Grant Cheques to support the fishing community in Tana River County.
The Head of State asked parents in the region to ensure their children get access to education, saying it was the greatest equaliser in the society.
"It is our responsibility to plan for the employment of our youth. That's why we are creating opportunities in the blue economy, housing, digital and value-addition chains for their benefit," he said.
Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua said the Government was committed to transforming the lives of Kenyans in arod areas through the initiation of irrigation projects.
He said President Ruto's administration will empower Kenyans by providing a conducive environment for investments.
"It's time leaders forget about issues of the last election and support the Government for the sake of development," said Gachagua.
He asked residents of Tana River to take advantage of the Bura Irrigation project to grow cash crops that will boost their earnings.
Senate Speaker Amason Kingi lauded President Ruto's administration for spearheading major development projects in marginalised counties.
"The Bura irrigation project is a multi-billion initiative that will transform the economy of the region," he said.
He went on:
"Under the leadership of President Ruto, Tana River and the coastal region in general will not be the same again."
He noted that coast region leaders have made a conscious decision to set aside political differences and work for the benefit of the people.
Tana River Governor Godhana Dhadho said infrastructure projects initiated by the national government will unlock the county's potential and transform the lives of the citizens.
Defense Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale urged leaders in the region to take the lead in the fight against terrorism and other acts of lawlessness.
He said the Government was committed to addressing insecurity occasioned by incidents of terrorism.
"We have one common enemy, the Al- Shabab. We must work together to eliminate this menace," said Mr Duale.
Earlier in Lamu County, President Ruto said every part of Kenya deserves to be developed.
He said the Government’s renewed focus on the construction and upgrading of infrastructure will open up remote and marginalised areas for business, exposing more Kenyans to opportunities.
"Our goal is to build a more prosperous and more equal country," he said.
He spoke at Kizingitini, where he launched the construction of 50-kilometre Mtangawanda, Faza, Kizingitini and access roads that will unlock the island's potential and boost security.
The President also opened the Lamu East Technical and Vocational College which will equip the youth with technical competence to drive the country’s transformation agenda.
Present were Cabinet Secretaries Kipchumba Murkomen, Ezekiel Machogu, Salim Mvurya, Aisha Jumwa, Penina Malonza and several MPs.
