Sabata,Nyasi,Nabunga,Muungano,Milele,Kirenga Farms in Trans Nzoia County. Large Farms in Trans Nzoia County and Socio-Economic Disparities. Trans Nzoia County in Kenya is known for its expansive agricultural lands, hosting several large farms that are critical to the region’s economy. These farms include Sabata, Nyasi, Nabunga, Muungano, Milele, and Kirenga, among others. Despite the agricultural wealth, there exists a significant socio-economic disparity between the landowners and the local population, many of whom are landless or squatters.
Prominent Farms and Landowners
- Nyasi Farm:
- Owner: Samson Akute
- Size: 800 acres
- Sabata Farm:
- Owner: Samson Akute
- Size: 700 acres
- Kiungani Farm (near Kitale):
- Owner: Samson Akute
- Size: 400 acres
- Sango Area:
- Owner: Nyairo
- Size: 800 acres
- Burundi Nabwera’s Farm:
- Owner: Burundi Nabwera
- Size: 1,000 acres
- Other Significant Farms:
- Eugene Wamalwa: Purchased 90 acres from Benjamin Koitapa.
- Mary Tonje: Owns 200 acres.
- Benjamin Sogomo: Former St. Joseph’s Principal, owns over 100 acres.
- Ben (Founder of Benways Buses): Owns an estimated 200 acres.
- Alfayo owns up to 90 Acres
- Peter Makiu owned 100 acres of which half was sold to Wafula Chebukati
- Kisembe Owns 90 Acres in Sango Area
- Francis Chahonyo owns 200 Acres in Sango Area
- Wamalwa Owns 100 Acres in Sango Area
- Japheth Nyongesa Owned atleast 200 Acres in Sabata Tegemeo Farm of which has since been sold
- Rosemary owns 100 Acres in Sabata
- In Tegemeo Farm Madela Owns atleast 30 Acres
Munderema Settlement
- A settlement where many squatters grabbed land previously owned by a Kalenjin and subdivided it for their own use.
Socio-Economic Issues
Despite the large-scale farming operations, the local population around these farms faces several challenges:
- Landlessness: A substantial number of people do not own land, leading to socio-economic instability.
- Squatting: Many individuals live as squatters, lacking legal ownership and security over the land they occupy.
- Poverty: The local community remains impoverished despite the agricultural wealth surrounding them.
Potential Solutions
Addressing these socio-economic issues requires multi-faceted approaches:
- Land Reforms: Implementing policies for equitable land distribution to address landlessness and squatting.
- Economic Empowerment: Programs aimed at economic empowerment through agricultural training, access to credit, and entrepreneurship support.
- Improved Access to Services: Enhancing access to education, healthcare, and other essential services for the local population.
- Sustainable Agriculture: Promoting sustainable agricultural practices to ensure long-term productivity and benefits for the local community.
Conclusion
The large farms in Trans Nzoia County are pivotal to the region’s agricultural output. However, the socio-economic disparity between the wealthy landowners and the impoverished local population underscores the need for comprehensive policies and initiatives aimed at promoting equitable land distribution and economic development. By addressing these issues, Trans Nzoia County can work towards a more inclusive and prosperous future for all its residents.
For further details on land ownership and agricultural policies in Kenya, you can visit the Ministry of Lands and Physical Planning website or refer to local county government resources.
