Mai mahiu: The government has honoured its commitment to resettling tens of families whose homes were destroyed following flash floods that hit Mai Mahiu villages in Nakuru County on April 29, 2024.
According to Kenya News Agency, in the initial plan, 230 acres have already been purchased in the Longonot area of Naivasha sub-county, where 105 original landowners would be settled and key infrastructure established. During the incident, over 60 people died and scores of others were left with life-long injuries and traumatic experiences after floods decimated their homes following a blocked railway tunnel in the upper Kijabe area that burst its banks.
Deputy President Prof. Kithure Kindiki stated that the State will also find alternative land to resettle 56 families whose rented homes were equally destroyed by the floods after concerns were raised about their exclusion in the initial plan. “All landowners and the tenants whose homes and businesses were decimated by the unforgiving floods will be provided with land to resettle and restart their livelihoods,” said Kindiki.
Prof. Kindiki, who led government officials in the issuance of title deeds to the initial 105 families in Mai Mahiu, said each family would also receive Sh20,000 support. Additionally, the Deputy President mentioned that the government was undertaking major infrastructure development in the region including modern markets, affordable housing, and roads. He highlighted the construction of the multi-billion-dollar Rironi to Mau Summit road, which would open up the region, ease traffic gridlock, and provide job opportunities for local youths.
Lands Cabinet Secretary Alice Wahome confirmed that all title deeds for the first batch of 105 families have been processed and would be issued promptly. Wahome stated that the government is resettling all those affected by the floods while dismissing any politicization of the issue by some leaders.
Nixon Korir, the Principal Secretary for Lands, noted that all affected individuals have been allocated their plots and issued with title deeds to help them restart their lives after a two-year wait. He also mentioned that the government would fund the construction of key support infrastructure including markets, schools, and hospitals within the allocated land.
Nakuru Governor Susan Kihika expressed relief at the long-awaited process, lauding President William Ruto for fulfilling his commitment to resettle the victims. She acknowledged the suffering endured by the victims after their investments and livelihoods were swept away.
Bernard Kamau, who lost two sons in the incident, remarked that the move to resettle families was long overdue and highlighted the suffering faced by families over the past two years. Kamau called for investigations to determine the cause of the accident and hold accountable any government officials who failed to conduct due diligence before the incident.
Samson Njamba, chair of the tenants association, described the resettlement as a positive move and expressed optimism that their case for inclusion in resettlement would be resolved. Another victim, David Karanja, echoed the sentiment, calling for more support in reconstructing their homes.
