The government has initiated the process of closing nearly 200 camps that have been hosting victims displaced by recent floods across various parts of the country.
Among the camps slated for closure are two located in Mai Mahiu, where over 60 individuals lost their lives and 161 were displaced a month ago following a seasonal dam burst in the Old Kijabe area. In response to this tragedy, the government has announced plans to purchase land for the displaced victims in Mai Mahiu, who have been seeking shelter at a church and a private institution since the disaster occurred.
According to Peninah Malonza, the Cabinet Secretary for East African Community and Asal Development, there were initially 198 active camps nationwide, with 92 of them being closed in the past week alone.
Malonza further revealed that the floods have claimed over 300 lives nationwide and displaced more than 300,000 individuals across 32 counties. She reiterated the government’s commitment to fulfilling President Uhuru Kenyatta’s promise to resettle all those affected by the floods, starting with the closure of active camps.
During her visit to the victims in Mai Mahiu, Malonza assured them that the government would either purchase land for resettlement or facilitate their return to their former homes. Discussions with Nakuru County officials are scheduled to begin next week to secure land for the Mai Mahiu victims before their resettlement.
Malonza also highlighted that 52 people are still missing nationwide due to the heavy rains, with a significant impact in Mai Mahiu, where over 30 bodies remain unaccounted for. She assured the families of the missing individuals that search operations conducted by Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) and National Youth Service (NYS) officers would continue until all bodies are recovered.
Meanwhile, Kello Harsama, the Principal Secretary, stated that the government would continue to support families in various camps until they are successfully reintegrated into the community.
Evangelist Lucy Wangunjiri, who has been hosting the victims in Mai Mahiu, urged the government to fulfill its promise of resettling all victims. She emphasized the genuine concerns of the victims regarding whether the state would follow through on its resettlement promises, especially as they are being directed to move to rental houses.
