Dominion Farms: From Swamp to Symbol of Hope — Why Siaya County Wants Calvin Burges Back

A Legacy Written on the Swamp

In the early 2000s, an American investor, Calvin Burges, arrived in Siaya County with a bold vision: to transform the vast, snake-infested swamps around Yala into productive farmland. Locals scoffed at the idea. The land was two meters deep in water, rife with malaria, and considered uninhabitable. Yet, Burges and his team at Dominion Farms persisted.

With what he describes as “the grace of God, a lot of money, and a lot of work,” Dominion reclaimed 7,200 hectares (17,000 acres), building canals, dikes, spillways, and even reviving dying lakes like Kenyamboli and Namboya. What was once unlivable swamp became a jewel of Kenya’s agricultural landscape, admired by delegations from Europe, China, Japan, and the United States.

A Transformative Impact

Dominion Farms became a hub of innovation:

• Rice farming: Burges introduced high-yield, aromatic rice varieties, with demand stretching as far as West Africa.

• Fish farming: A hatchery producing 2–3 million fingerlings a month revolutionized local diets and markets. Selective breeding increased yields by over 10%.

• Education: Dominion built a training center with classrooms, kitchens, and dormitories, serving as a vocational institute and partner to leading agricultural universities.

• Health: The farm provided the first HIV testing and medication in the region.

• Employment: At its peak, Dominion employed up to 1,500 people, deliberately avoiding chemical-intensive farming to provide hand-weeding jobs for local women.

The impact was visible: malnourished children became healthy; families gained access to schools, jobs, and food security.

The Turning Point

By the mid-2010s, Dominion had expanded into sugarcane, achieving yields of 56 tons per acre with sugar content 40% higher than national averages. A nearly complete sugar mill stood ready to transform local livelihoods.

But in 2017, the project changed course. Investor Rai, through Lake Agro Limited, took over operations. Since then, many locals argue that the farm’s promise has faded.

A Community’s Call

This August, Burges returned to Kenya at the invitation of community members and youth from Siaya.

At the gathering, two young men from Siaya spoke passionately about the community’s plea:

For the youths, Burges’ willingness to return at age 74, despite past challenges, is proof of his commitment.

Calvin Speaks

Burges reminded journalists of the scale of Dominion’s vision:

• A 1,000-acre lake for irrigation, fish, and hydroelectric potential.

• Canals stretching 12 km to replenish Lake Namboya.

• The largest rice mill in Kenya at the time.

• Plans for sustainable sugar production to cut Kenya’s reliance on costly imports.

He also recalled the painful day he fled Kenya after threats to his life, leaving behind over $40 million in personal investment.

Yet, despite the past, his message today is one of hope:

A Call for Reform

Burges also used the platform to call for national renewal:

What Next?

Burges confirmed he has offers across Africa, including South Sudan, but emphasized his desire to return to Siaya and Kenya:

For now, the decision lies in the hands of government and policy makers. The community has spoken: they want Dominion’s vision restored, and they want Calvin Burges back.