The residents of Kadenge, Gendro, and the surrounding areas along the Yala Wetlands in Siaya County have warmly welcomed the news that the former American investor, Dominion Farms, may soon return to the Yala Swamp.

Dominion Farms, which first arrived at Yala Swamp in 2003, was forced to leave abruptly in 2018 due to rising tensions with the local community.

However, the atmosphere has since changed, and the locals are now eager to re-engage with the investor they once asked to leave, expressing their enthusiasm with glowing tributes.

Fred Kado, the chairman of the community committee, voiced the community’s readiness to welcome back the investor they once petitioned to vacate.

“Today is a great day for us because we’ve been assured that the former investor is on his way back to Yala Swamp to continue the good work he started. We are happy to receive him,” Mr. Kado said.

The locals also criticized the current investor, accusing him of neglecting the area and failing to provide employment opportunities to the community.

“Calvin Burgess, the CEO of Dominion Farms, did a lot for the community. He provided jobs and improved the surrounding area through various Corporate Social Responsibility activities, which we haven’t seen with the new investor,” Mr. Kado added.

Benard Mugele, a resident of Kadenge, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the positive impact the investor’s return would have on the lives of young people in the area, based on his previous efforts.

“We are thrilled that the training of our youths in various fields will continue. Mr. Burgess trained our young people in areas such as plant operations and other practical skills. His return is the best thing that could happen to us from the wetlands,” Mr. Mugele said.

He continued, “The former investor employed many people, which boosted the local economy by increasing money circulation. The skills he imparted to our youths enabled them to find employment in many companies, both locally and internationally.”