Residents and politicians are now scrambling for a portion of the Yala Swamp, after the exit of the Dominion Farms which was formerly in charge of the fertile region.
The American firm exited the region nine months ago, complaining of poor business conditions, with residents and outsiders now rushing for a piece of the wetland for crop cultivation.
According to Mark Apudo who lives near the swamp, it has as well attracted people from other counties.
Politicians, he said, are, however, the biggest beneficiaries saying that they have allocated themselves huge chunks of the swamp.
"Here, it is survival for the fittest as everyone fights for a piece of the land. Some of these people came from faraway villages, including outside the county, to get land here," he is quoted by the Standard.
This is despite government's directives that no agricultural activities should be undertaken in the 200 square kilometer water filter which acts as a sieve for the water headed to the Lake Victoria.
Most of the grabbers have planted maize, vegetables, millet and sweet potatoes.
The swamp is located in West Alego ward, Siaya County.
Dominion's machines and property which was left left behind has since been auctioned by debtors.