This archive report was first published on 11 September 2019.
Residents of Yala in Siaya County have blocked a land survey, citing mistrust of the county's appointed surveyor. The survey, ordered by the National Land Commission (NLC) in a gazette notice, aimed to establish boundaries for farming and investment in the swamp land.
The land was previously owned by Calvin Burges of Dominion Farms, who left it a year ago. The NLC had ordered a fresh survey after residents demanded a share of the land.
According to Bondo MP Gideon Ochanda, the survey had been stopped due to the residents' concerns. He stated that communities in Yimbo and Central Alego wards wanted to be involved in the process.
Usonga Ward MCA Sylvester Madialo said residents in his ward would seek registration of their land once the survey process is completed. He noted that no investor had shown interest in that part of the land, making the survey process less complex.
County Executive Member for Lands Adrian Ouma assured that the survey process would resume, emphasizing the importance of demarcating land for community and investment purposes.
On September 11, 2019, the survey process was halted due to the residents' demands.
