Land issues dominated this year's Madaraka Day celebrations, with Migori Governor Zachary Obado putting individual and private investors who have encroached on public land on notice.
The county government is currently embroiled in a bitter dispute with the local Catholic Church over ownership of some parcels of land in Rongo and Uriri sub-counties.
Addressing the public during the Madaraka Day fete at Rongo Stadium, Mr Obado assured residents of his commitment to protecting public land.
"My government is committed to stopping any further grabbing of public land and fully supports the recently appointed Migori County Land Management Board, which we hope will resolve outstanding land cases and ensure public land is protected," he said.
He said the county government had repossessed a number of plots that it has used to start various projects.
"We have provided land for development of a forestry research institute at Lichota and an industrial park in the same area. The benefits that will accrue to residents from these institutions will undoubtedly be enormous," Obado said.
slow contractors
Obado also warned contractors who are sluggish in their work and those who have been doing a shoddy job that they risk being back-listed. "I, therefore, ask wananchi to help us in identifying these irresponsible contractors and reporting them to respective authorities," he said.
On development, the governor said they plan to plan than two million trees this year in the county's reforestation programme, with schools, woman and youth groups being involved in the exercise.
"My government has distributed free tree seedlings throughout the county in a homegrown reforestation programme. We are also planning to enhance our disaster response and preparedness by purchasing a fire engine to be based in Migori town," he added.
To improve trade within the county, Obado said his county government has allocated Sh80 million for construction of 16 fresh produce and horticulture market sheds in all the sub-counties. To realise the dream of the 24-hour economy dream, the county has allocated another Sh160 million for the installation of street lights in urban centres and markets, he said.
"The lights will be located in all urban centres and markets. With the street lights, we expect security to improve across the county. My government will also intensify training of traders and support saving in cooperative societies," he said.