President William Ruto has moved to mediate the dispute over Yala Swamp in Siaya County, where local communities are clashing with investors over control of the vast farmland.
The swamp, considered one of the most productive arable areas in Siaya, has long attracted investment interest, but successive disputes have stalled its potential.
Black winged stilts at Dhogoye and Sanda Beach, Yala Swamp. PHOTO | JOY KIVATA
The first major investor was Dominion Farms Ltd, led by American businessman Calvin Burgess, who arrived in Kenya in 2002. Burgess reclaimed large parts of the swamp and established a rice farm employing more than 350 locals. But in 2017, Dominion suspended operations, and Burgess left abruptly the following year, citing political intimidation and threats to his life.
In 2020, Lake Agro Ltd, a firm linked to the Rai Group, took over operations. According to a gazette notice, Dominion transferred its 3,700-hectare lease to Lake Agro, which went on to acquire rights to 6,889 hectares for 66 years — nearly double the original size.
The move sparked outrage among residents, who argue that the lease was irregular and too lengthy for community land. Many accuse Lake Agro of neglecting the community, saying it ferries sugarcane to factories outside Siaya instead of investing locally.
Farmers during a past demonstration about the Yala Swamp on July 15, 2009. The farmers are opposed to the lease given to an investor to take charge of the swamp.
Photo credit: File | Nation Media Group
Two weeks ago, residents staged protests in Siaya Town, carrying placards and demanding the immediate revocation of the lease.
“The lease was obtained fraudulently, and we want the investor out within 14 days,” said protest leader Bernard Mgele, who also presented a petition to the Siaya County Registrar of Lands.
“An investor should build a sugar mill here to create jobs for our youth. Instead, the company is impoverishing us,” said Wasonga Adede from Yimbo.
Lake Kanyaboli which is in the Yala swamp. Already, the lake has lost more than 50 percent of its volume.
Photo credit: File
Meanwhile, Burgess has recently expressed interest in returning to Yala Swamp, further complicating the standoff.
On Sunday, President Ruto, while attending mass at St Peter’s Cathedral in Siaya Town, acknowledged the dispute and promised a solution that balances community and investor interests.
“What is happening in Yala Swamp is sub-optimal. That land has huge potential and must benefit the community,” he said.
The President announced he would convene a meeting bringing together the national government, the county government, local residents and investors to chart a way forward.
