Governor James Orengo convened a meeting with officials from the National Land Commission (NLC), representatives from Lake Agro Company Ltd., a subsidiary of the Rai Group of Companies, and community leaders from Yimbo and Alego to address the contentious Yala Delta land dispute.
The Yala Delta, a fertile and ecologically significant region often compared to the Nile Delta due to its rich biodiversity and agricultural potential, has been at the center of a prolonged controversy involving land allocation and community rights.
During the meeting, Gov. Orengo clarified that the residents of Siaya County are not opposed to investment in the region but are steadfast in their commitment to safeguarding the community's land rights. He emphasized the need for a transparent and equitable partnership that respects the interests of local stakeholders while fostering sustainable development. The Governor underscored the delta’s critical role in supporting agriculture, fisheries, and the livelihoods of thousands of families in the region.
The controversy surrounding the Yala Delta stems from a historical dispute over land ownership and usage rights, which has pitted local communities against private investors. Lake Agro Company Ltd., which secured a lease for large-scale agricultural activities in the delta, has faced accusations from locals of encroaching on ancestral lands and disregarding environmental concerns. Community representatives from Yimbo and Alego have repeatedly expressed fears that large-scale farming operations could disrupt the delicate ecosystem of the Yala Swamp, threaten food security, and displace families who have relied on the land for generations.
Governor Orengo called for a serious and responsible investor who understands and prioritizes the rights of the community. He urged the NLC to expedite a thorough review of the land allocation process to ensure compliance with legal frameworks and to address grievances raised by the community.
The meeting marks a significant step toward resolving the Yala Delta land dispute, which has sparked protests and legal battles in recent years.
The Yala Delta, spanning over 17,500 hectares, is one of Kenya’s most vital wetlands, supporting diverse flora and fauna and serving as a critical habitat for migratory birds. Its significance extends beyond Siaya County, contributing to national food security and environmental conservation efforts.
Gov. James Orengo was flanked with the County Secretary Mr. Joseph Ogutu, the acting County Attorney Mr. Leonard Okanda, Chief Officer for Governance, Administration and ICT Hon. Walter Okelo, MCAs Hon. Francis Otiato (Yimbo East) and Hon. David Ragen (Central Alego), former nominated MCA Hon. Winnie Mercy among others.
The County Government of Siaya, through the Department of Tourism, Culture, Sports and Arts in collaboration with the Executive Office of the Governor, will roll out The Nyalore Governors Cup for football men. This will be a Countywide tournament for talents identification, talent exposure and creation of temporary job opportunities for the Youth – “Kandanda Mashinani, Pesa kwa Vijana!”. The tournament shall be played on weekdays for one month, the whole of December 2023. The one month long tournament will be launched by the Governor Siaya, James Orengo on 1st December 2023 at Sega Mixed Primary School starting at 9.00am. The final match will be played on 1st January, 2024, at the Migwena Sports Group.
