By Judith Obondo
Residents of Usenge Town joined the Department of Lands, Physical Planning, Housing and Urban Development in a public participation forum on the Draft Siaya County Land Management Policy. The exercise provided an important platform for members of the public to understand the proposed policy and contribute their views before it is finalized.
The session was led by the Director of Survey, Mr. Vincent Oluoch alongside his colleague, Mr.Bens Roddy Umaya, who guided residents through the key provisions of the draft policy. The two officers explained the purpose of the policy in simple terms, helping participants understand how it is expected to improve land management, promote sustainable development, and address emerging land-related challenges across Siaya County.
During the discussions, the facilitators highlighted that Siaya County is experiencing rapid urban growth, particularly in towns such as Usenge, Bondo, Ugunja and Siaya. They noted that this growth has increased the demand for better planning, improved housing, efficient road networks, proper waste management, and the orderly use of land. They emphasized that the draft policy seeks to provide a clear framework for managing these challenges while ensuring that development benefits both current and future generations.
Residents actively participated in the discussions by raising questions, sharing experiences, and offering recommendations on various aspects of the policy. Among the issues raised were the need for adequate financing to implement the proposed projects, transparent land valuation processes, protection of personal data during land transactions, improved accountability in revenue collection, and stronger measures to curb illegal land grabbing.
Participants also expressed concern over the increasing number of informal settlements and substandard housing, urging the county government to prioritize planned urban development. Others called for clear timelines in resolving land disputes and requested the establishment of effective feedback mechanisms to ensure that complaints submitted by residents are addressed promptly.
Environmental conservation also featured prominently in the discussions. Residents emphasized the importance of protecting wetlands, water catchment areas, and other environmentally sensitive zones as development continues across the county. They encouraged the county government to strike a balance between development and environmental protection.
Mr. Oluoch and Mr. Umaya assured residents that every comment, concern, and proposal submitted during the forum would be documented and considered before the policy is finalized. They emphasized that public participation is a constitutional requirement and an essential process in developing policies that reflect the needs and aspirations of the people.
The meeting concluded with appreciation for the residents of Usenge for their active participation and commitment to shaping the future of land governance in Siaya County. The forum demonstrated the county government's commitment to inclusive decision-making by giving citizens an opportunity to directly influence policies that affect their livelihoods.
Once finalized, the Draft Siaya County Land Management Policy is expected to strengthen land governance, support orderly urban development, protect the environment, and promote equitable access to land and related services, contributing to sustainable socio-economic growth across Siaya County.