PS Kello Harsama Commended for Exemplary Leadership in ASAL Development During Inspection of Griftu Water Pan Project

 

The Principal Secretary for Irrigation, CPA Ephantus Kimotho, CBS, and his counterpart from the State Department for ASALs and Regional Development, PS Kello Harsama, CBS, on Thursday led a high-level delegation to inspect the ongoing Griftu Water Pan for Feedlot Project in Wajir County — a flagship government initiative aimed at enhancing agricultural productivity and climate resilience in Kenya’s arid and semi-arid lands (ASALs).

The visit, hosted by H.E. FCPA Ahmed Abdullahi, EGH, Governor of Wajir County and Chair of the Council of Governors, underscored the government’s continued commitment to transforming dryland economies through water conservation, irrigation, and sustainable livestock production.

Located in Wajir West Constituency, the 5,000-acre Griftu Water Pan Project features water storage facilities with a combined capacity of 750,000 cubic metres, directly benefiting 250 households and indirectly supporting another 700. Once complete, it is projected to inject KSh 288 million annually into the local economy through enhanced livestock and crop production.

PS Kello Harsama was praised for his exemplary leadership, particularly his hands-on and results-oriented approach in driving development in ASAL regions. His focus on sustainability, inter-agency coordination, and community-centered implementation has been pivotal in ensuring tangible results from such projects.

“This is a whole-of-government effort, and our role is to make sure that no community is left behind,” said PS Harsama. “We are fencing and securing the 5,000-acre project area to protect this investment and ensure it benefits generations to come. Similar projects are being rolled out nationwide as part of our strategy to strengthen climate resilience and mitigate drought impacts.”

PS Ephantus Kimotho commended the collaboration between the two departments, noting that the Griftu initiative is aligned with the Presidential directive to fast-track irrigation and water projects in drought-prone regions to enhance food security.

“This project demonstrates what coordinated government action can achieve. It is a model of resilience, productivity, and sustainability,” he said.

Governor Ahmed Abdullahi lauded the national government’s continued support for county development initiatives, describing PS Harsama as a pragmatic and dedicated leader deeply attuned to the realities of ASAL development.

“PS Harsama’s department has been a consistent partner to counties. His leadership ensures that projects like this move forward smoothly and deliver lasting benefits,” the Governor remarked.

Among the senior officials accompanying the delegation were Mr. Joel Tanui (Irrigation Secretary, Land Reclamation & Climate Resilience), Mr. Yatich Kipkemei, MBS (Secretary for Administration), Mr. Daniel Odero (Director, Irrigation Water Management), Mr. Thandi Githae (Director, Climate Resilience), Mr. Karuku Ngumo (Wajir County Commissioner), and Ms. Wanjiku Manyatta (Director, Regional Development).

The Griftu Water Pan for Feedlot Project stands as a shining example of effective intergovernmental collaboration and a demonstration of Kenya’s unwavering commitment to building climate-resilient, food-secure, and economically vibrant ASAL communities.