Inside boundary row between Nyamira and Kisii counties over promising town

Senator Esther Okenyuri. She is seeking the intervention of the Committee on Devolution and Intergovernmental Relations regarding the dispute. [Sammy Omingo, Standard]

The agreement temporarily halted the feud but competition between the two counties stalled development. The conflict was revived again two months ago after revenue clerks clashed over points of collecting matatu cess.

It took the intervention of Masaba North sub-county Police Commander Robert Ndambili who summoned revenue clerks and town administrators to broker a truce.

Residents are hopeful that several initiatives that have been adopted will finally resolve the problem. A solution is being sought in courts while politicians are also lobbying for a solution at the Senate.

Rigoma MCA Gisesa Nyambega has moved to the Environment and Lands Court seeking legal intervention.

In his petition, Nyambega has cited historical misdoings which led to the County of Nyamira losing out its legitimate boundaries to the neighbouring Kisii County.

The matter is ongoing at Nyamira Lands Court before Justice Mugo Kamau. Among issues to be determined are the exact boundaries of the urban area, and marking of boundaries using permanent beacons.

On Thursday, the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) and the National Land Commission presented documents, including maps, indicating the demarcations of the boundaries between Kisii and Nyamira.

At the Senate, nominated Senator Esther Okenyuri has sought the intervention of the Committee on Devolution and Intergovernmental Relations regarding the dispute.