The Nakuru 900 Families Eligible for President Ruto’s Ksh 20K Each

President William Ruto has announced that 900 families who were displaced during the 2007 Post-Election Violence (PEV) are finally set to receive financial assistance for resettlement.

The families, who have waited 17 years for a permanent solution, will each receive Ksh 20,000. This money is intended to help them begin their new lives on their respective farmlands.

The announcement was made by the President, confirming a long-standing campaign pledge.

Background to the Displacement

The displacement of these families dates back to the widespread violence that erupted across Kenya following the disputed general election in late 2007.

The ensuing chaos led to thousands of people being internally displaced (IDPs)

For nearly two decades, many of these families have endured hardships while waiting for the government to facilitate their return to their original properties.

Clearing the Legal Hurdles

The President explained that the resettlement process had faced severe delays. He stated that when he campaigned alongside Nakuru governor, Susan Kihika, and other leaders, they promised to resolve the matter so the families could return to their land.

However, the process was complicated by legal disputes. He noted that "rogues" or "hooligans" (wakora) had gone to court, effectively halting the plans.

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The President confirmed that the court case was only decided last week. Now, the path for resettlement is clear.

“We were bothered a little by the court; some rogues went to court and stopped the process, but now the case was decided last week. Now your matters are settled.”

A total of Ksh 18 million has been allocated to cover the resettlement costs for the 900 families. This figure is derived from calculating Ksh 20,000 for each of the 900 families.

The President directed the local authorities to ensure the funds are disbursed swiftly. He named the local Governor, Kahiga, and the local Deputy Commissioner (DC) as the officials responsible for overseeing the process.

The plan is for the distribution to start immediately.

“Every family, among these 900 families, I will give 20,000 shillings to go and start a life where you are going.”

Return to the Farms

The families are preparing to return to specific agricultural areas. The 900 families scheduled for resettlement own land at Donga Farm and Kisima Farm.

The President urged the families to be prepared to pack their belongings and move promptly. He told the IDPs to organize themselves and pack their bags the next day.

This commitment is seen as fulfilling a political covenant. The President reiterated the local saying that a promise must be kept, saying, "As the Swahili say, Dawa ya deni ni nini? Si ni kulipa. We said we would help you return to your farms".