Ruto hands Sh2.6bn to Mau Forest evictees

President William Ruto has announced the closure of the Mau Forest evictions issue, following the distribution of Sh200,000 each to 13,000 evictees residing in Narok South. The compensation marks a significant milestone in the Kenyan government's commitment to addressing the hardships faced by families displaced from the Mau Forest, a crucial water tower.

Initially unveiled in March, an additional 12,000 evictees were granted compensation, bringing the total disbursed to Sh2.6 billion. The President emphasized the need to preserve the Mau Forest, stating that it should not be used as a political tool. During a recent visit to Narok, Ruto highlighted the government's efforts to secure the forest by issuing a title deed and plans to construct a fence to safeguard the water source.

The compensation was long overdue, as families had been demanding answers over delays in receiving assistance. In February, some evictees accused the government of not fulfilling earlier promises, prompting a march from Narok South to Nairobi for intervention. Narok Governor Patrick ole Ntutu had previously urged the equitable distribution of funds, stressing the importance of not interfering with the allocated resources.

The government has also been actively tackling other land disputes in Narok. Recently, the resolution of the Cheluget land dispute will enable thousands of families to obtain title deeds, providing them with legal recognition of their land ownership. The latest compensation is anticipated to offer much-needed relief to numerous families who have endured prolonged uncertainty since their eviction from the forest, reinforcing the Kenyan government's dedication to preserving the Mau Forest for future generations as a vital water reservoir.