Kocholia Dam and the Kocholia Irrigation Scheme are pivotal projects aimed at improving agriculture, water supply, and power generation in Busia County, Kenya. Located near the Kocholia Hills, this multi-purpose project began in 2017 and is designed to provide significant benefits to both the local population and the region’s agricultural productivity. The dam and irrigation scheme are strategically positioned along River Malakisi, close to the A109 Mombasa-Malaba international trunk road, making it easily accessible to locals and visitors alike, including those traveling to the Malaba border.
One of the main features of the Kocholia Irrigation Scheme is its ability to support irrigation for up to 4,000 hectares of land, providing a reliable source of water for agricultural activities. This is especially important in Teso North and surrounding areas, which are prone to drought and erratic rainfall. The scheme will also supply clean drinking water to more than 10,000 people in the Kocholia region, significantly improving local water access and sanitation.
The Kocholia Dam stands at an impressive height of 43 meters, and it also features a hydropower station with a capacity of 1,091 KW. This hydropower component will contribute to sustainable energy generation for the area, further supporting local development. The dam’s construction and the irrigation system aim to mitigate the challenges of water scarcity, improve food security, and provide a steady water supply for both domestic use and farming.
In addition to the dam and irrigation system, the Malaba-Kocholia and Angurai water lines, which serve the vast Teso North population, are undergoing significant restoration. This upgrade project, fully funded by the County Government of Busia, also includes the rehabilitation of the water treatment plant to ensure it operates at full capacity, improving the efficiency of the water distribution network.
The Kocholia Irrigation Scheme is not only a critical development for improving agricultural productivity and food security, but it also serves as an important step toward economic growth and environmental sustainability in Busia County.
