Mai Mahiu: A year after flash floods devastated Mai Mahiu in Nakuru County, leaving a trail of destruction, hope has returned for some of the hardest-hit families. 18 households, who collectively lost 25 loved ones in the April 29, 2024, disaster, have been given keys to newly constructed two-bedroom homes, marking a significant step in their recovery journey. The resettlement, led by Rotary International and the Scann Foundation, was marked by an emotional handover ceremony, blending tears of grief with gratitude.
According to Kenya News Agency, survivors who had spent the past year in temporary shelters or with relatives now have a permanent place to call home. The tragedy began when a blocked railway tunnel was overwhelmed by continuous rainfall, causing a destructive torrent from the upper Kijabe area to flood downstream, flattening homes, schools, and businesses. The disaster resulted in over 60 deaths, displaced more than 100 families, and swept away essential infrastructure.
The floods also revealed significant failures in infrastructure oversight and disaster preparedness. Investigations found that the collapsed dam had not been properly maintained or inspected, raising questions about regulatory accountability. In the aftermath, government officials promised swift action, including compensation, resettlement, and infrastructure repair. However, Bernard Ndungu, who lost both his sons and his home, expressed feeling forgotten after months without resettlement.
Rotary’s Nakuru regional coordinator, Job Okello, noted that the resettlement initiative faced challenges, such as navigating bureaucracy and securing land approvals. Shamsher Girani from Scann Foundation revealed that Sh7.9 million was spent on building and furnishing the homes. Naivasha MP Jane Kihara acknowledged the slow government response, citing high land prices and legal disputes over suitable resettlement areas as contributing factors.
Kihara also raised concerns about the long-term viability of affected farmlands, many rendered infertile due to topsoil erosion. She called for greater investment in rebuilding essential infrastructure. Mai Mahiu MCA Eliud Kamau urged the government to prioritize the reconstruction of damaged roads, bridges, and schools vital for the area’s economic revival.
Deputy President Prof. Kithure Kindiki, speaking at an empowerment event in Naivasha, affirmed the government’s commitment to resettle affected families, despite delays caused by increased land prices. The government had allocated over Sh200 million for the resettlement exercise. Meanwhile, evangelical pastors in Mai Mahiu called for swift resettlement of all families, highlighting the prolonged suffering and trauma endured by the affected families.
