The IDPs were displaced from their homes after the 2008 elections. Others were evicted by the government after illegal encroachment of Mau Forest. Photo/FILE
NAIROBI, Kenya, Sep 6 – The government has set aside Sh3.3billlion to resettle the remaining 8,298 Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and forest evictees by the end of this month.
As part of the plan, the government will close three camps on Saturday; one in Eldoret, Mai Mahiu and Camp Kembu in Mau Forest.
Addressing the media, Cabinet Secretary for Devolution and Planning, Ann Waiguru said the government will give them an opportunity to decide where to settle.
Each household will receive Sh400,000 through bank accounts set to be opened for them and Sh10,000 to facilitate their logistical arrangements of vacating the camp.
“Most importantly, we are now working on a household framework, a move away from the previous practice of giving ownership to the head of the house. The head of the household and their spouse will be the joint signatories to the money,” she stated.
“This is a move to ensure that women are not left behind in monetary decisions that will ultimately affect their livelihoods.”
The Cabinet Secretary said the Jubilee government was committed to empower them in order to regain their earlier status.
“The urgent need to develop and implement effective permanent solutions for the IDPs is becoming more and more apparent, and this is why we have decided on a cash payment programme to resettle the remaining IDPs and forest evictees this September,” she said.
Unlike the earlier approach of government buying land, Waiguru said all persons involved will be given choices on the economic activity to engage in.
“The money we are giving is by no means going to compensate for all the suffering they have endured, but it will help them to move on with their lives in whatever way they see fit,” she noted.
Waiguru added that government officials have been instructed to offer support for the IDPs, “and also the citizens in ensuring they are amicably integrated in their choice destinations.”
“In addition, the government will ensure that the legal structures for validation and ascertainment of ownership are followed.”
She also noted that Internally Displaced Persons as a result of elections will not lose ownership of their previous land.
“Resettlement of IDPs is a key component of assuring Kenya’s long-term stability and the Jubilee Government is fully committed to taking steps to taking steps to resolve the matter and ensure that of those who have been unwillingly uprooted from their homes and live hoods find a way back into society.”
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