Govt disburses Ksh 2.6B to Mau Forest evictees

The Government of Kenya has disbursed Ksh 2.6 billion to 13,000 families who were evicted from the Mau Forest in Narok County six years ago. This generous financial support was distributed through Mpesa on a single day during President William Ruto's visit to the region. Each recipient received a substantial sum of Ksh 200,000 to embark on a new life outside the iconic water tower.

President Ruto addressed the beneficiaries, explaining that the government had previously provided Ksh 300,000 to each of 2,000 families who lived in tents in the Mau Forest, enabling them to leave the protected area and purchase land elsewhere. The President emphasized that this act would officially conclude a chapter of hardship and displacement for those forcefully removed from the Mau Forest, which is now set to be managed by Narok County.

Addressing the politicization surrounding the Mau Forest issue, the President made clear that while many leaders discussed the matter, he focused on finding a solution. As a testament to this, the President announced the acquisition of 5,800 acres of land to accommodate families who had previously been squatting on the property of the late Isaiah Cheluget, a former Provincial Commissioner. The government is in the process of issuing title deeds to these families in order to establish their legal ownership of the land.

The President also announced a Ksh 1.2 billion investment towards the construction of Johanna Ng'eno University in Emurua Dikirr Constituency. This ambitious project aims to fulfill a campaign promise made by the President and provide higher education opportunities for students across the country. By establishing this institution, the government hopes to bolster access to quality education and stimulate employment and investment prospects in the region.

In addition to the university, the government has allocated funds for the establishment of a medical college, which will focus on training healthcare professionals and providing better medical services to the community. Furthermore, the President inaugurated a modern market in Emurua Dikirr, providing a safe and secure environment for traders to conduct their business activities in a dignified manner.

The President's visit to Narok County also saw him laying the foundation stone for the Trans Mara East Kenya Medical Training College hostels, another significant investment in the area's healthcare sector. As part of his administration's campaign promises, the President highlighted that he has delivered over 80% of his pledges from the 2022 manifesto, assuring Kenyans that his government has been actively working to improve the lives of citizens.

During his tour of the region, Governor Patrick Ntutu and several MPs commended President Ruto for his accomplishments, particularly the resettlement of Mau Forest evictees, modern market constructions, affordable housing, and the development of new roads. These efforts suggest that the current administration is making tangible strides in addressing the concerns of Kenyans and delivering on its commitments.