The government has initiated the process of closing nearly 200 camps that have been hosting victims displaced by recent floods across the country.
Among the camps slated for closure are two in Mai Mahiu, where over 60 people lost their lives and 161 were displaced a month ago following a seasonal dam burst in the Old Kijabe area. Responding to this, the government announced plans to acquire land for the Mai Mahiu victims, who have been seeking shelter at a church and a private institution since the disaster.
Peninah Malonza, the Cabinet Secretary for EAC and ASAL Development, revealed that initially, there were 198 active camps nationwide, with 92 of them closed in the past week alone. Malonza disclosed that over 300 people across 32 counties had lost their lives, and more than 300,000 were displaced by floods.
“The President promised to resettle all those affected by the floods, and we have started by closing the active camps,” she affirmed.
During her visit to the Mai Mahiu victims, Malonza assured them that the government would fulfill its promise by either purchasing land or facilitating their return to their former homes. Beginning next week, the government will engage with Nakuru County officials to secure land for the Mai Mahiu victims before their resettlement.
Malonza also highlighted that 52 people remain missing nationwide due to the heavy rains, with Mai Mahiu bearing a significant impact, as over 30 bodies are still unaccounted for. She assured families of the missing that search operations by KDF and NYS officers would persist until all bodies are recovered.
PS Kello Harsama affirmed that the government would continue supporting families in various camps until they are reintegrated into the community. “We are visiting all flood-affected areas to assess the situation and support those in the camps,” he stated.
