Leaders from Nyamira and the neighbouring Kisii County have reached an agreement following animosity witnessed over ownership of Keroka border town, Nyamira Senator Mong’are Okong’o has confirmed.
This comes after months of unrest in the town that saw residents from either side of the counties engage police in running battles under the watch of the leaders.
But Mong’are on Wednesday confirmed that the two sides agreed to implement an MoU that was signed a year ago, which required that Nyamira County be in charge of tax collection but engage their neighbors when coming up with developmental projects.
“I am happy that the Keroka border row is a thing of the past. As leaders from Nyamira and Kisii, we agreed to implement the MoU which we drafted in 2015 but was apparently violated,” Mong’are said.
“It’s our view that Nyamira collects tax but involves Kisii County when developing the region. This is the only way to create peaceful coexistence and integration among our people living in the border town,” Mong’are added.
He also said the Wednesday’s Nairobi meeting resolved that a committee is established to oversee its implementation by reporting directly to all county leaderships.
“We have also set a caretaker committee which will ensure the agreement is implemented fully without any violation. The committee will report to all county leaders on a monthly basis and make recommendations on areas to be improved,” he added saying the committee will comprise six members half from each county.
They urged locals to respect the MoU and asked the police to take action against people who may be tempted to incite residents against each other.