The government has directed National Government Administrative Officers (NGAO) in Sabatia Sub-County to take decisive action to educate communities on lawful land succession and intensify the fight against gender-based violence (GBV), rising HIV infections, illicit alcohol consumption, boda boda disputes, and teenage pregnancies.
Speaking during a sub-county security and development meeting with chiefs and assistant chiefs at Sabatia Headquarters, Deputy County Commissioner (DCC) Festus Munyao said delays in succession were impoverishing families and fuelling land disputes.
Munyao said statutory succession should take no more than six months when families follow the proper legal procedures, noting that many households were losing land and money to uncertified surveyors, middlemen, and prolonged court cases due to lack of awareness.
The DCC explained that succession covers land, houses, shares, and bank accounts, adding that the process begins with obtaining a chief’s letter, followed by filing a petition and gazettement, culminating in the issuance of letters of administration.
He urged chiefs to educate residents on the process and provide guidance free of charge to curb fraud, land grabbing, and exploitation by unscrupulous intermediaries.
“Do not allow our people to suffer because they do not know the law. Take action now and walk with them through the process,” Munyao directed.
The meeting also raised concern over rising cases of GBV linked to excessive alcohol consumption. Administrators reported that illegal drinking dens in market centers were contributing to crime, domestic violence, and school dropouts.
Munyao also cited an increase in stolen motorcycles and frequent disputes among boda boda operators. He directed chiefs to oversee the mandatory registration of all boda boda riders and stages within their areas to enhance security and accountability.
He further ordered chiefs, assistant chiefs, and security teams to conduct multi-agency operations to shut down unlicensed bars and illicit brewing sites.
The administrators were also instructed to establish GBV reporting structures at the village level to ensure survivors promptly access medical, legal, and psychosocial support.
“Perpetrators must face the law. We will not allow cases to be settled at the village level,” he said.
Officials reported an alarming increase in HIV infections, teenage pregnancies, and sexual exploitation of minors, particularly in bus parks, market centers, and along major highways.
Munyao expressed concern that reduced public discourse on HIV/AIDS had created complacency among young people, exposing them to risky behaviour.
He directed administrators to immediately revive HIV/AIDS awareness, prevention, and testing campaigns in schools, markets, and boda boda stages.
The DCC said child protection laws must be strictly enforced and directed that adults preying on schoolgirls be arrested and prosecuted.
“We cannot lose a generation to HIV and early pregnancies. Chiefs must lead community sensitization,” he stated.
Meanwhile, field officers presented updates on ongoing government and development projects across the sub-county. In Chavakali Location, the Assistant County Commissioner’s office has been completed and is awaiting power connection.
In Izava, Busali, and Wodanga, National Government Constituencies Development Fund (NG-CDF) and county-funded projects, including Competency-Based Curriculum classrooms, school toilets, and spring water protection initiatives, are progressing well.
In Izava North, the Assistant Chief’s office and school sanitation blocks have been completed.
Munyao also acknowledged the important role played by village elders, popularly known as Wazee wa Nyumba, in maintaining security and gathering community intelligence.
He said plans were underway to formally integrate the elders into government structures and address challenges surrounding the disbursement of their stipends.
Chiefs were directed to assign the elders clear duties in clusters and supervise their activities to ensure effective service delivery.
“Village elders are our eyes on the ground. We must support and account for them,” the DCC said.
Munyao concluded that coordinated action by administrators, security agencies, and communities would help Sabatia reduce land disputes, GBV, HIV infections, teenage pregnancies, and boda boda-related crime.
“Our job is service delivery. Let us take action now to protect families and secure development,” he stated.
By Victor Zedy and Maureen Imbayi
