Africa-Press – Kenya. Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has said the government is working to resettle squatters forced out of the Mau-Narok Forest. He added that this will be done even as the government tightens efforts to conserve the water tower.
Speaking at Sogoo in Narok South on Tuesday, Gachagua said they had set aside funds for the plan in the Financial Year 2023-24, to help the hundreds of homeless families.
He regretted the manner in which people were kicked out of the forest saying the Kenya Kwanza government will ensure they get better places to reside once the budget is passed.
“They were kicked out of the forest in an inhumane manner but that is now behind us. We will continue to conserve the forest,” he said.
“The President has set aside funds for the resettlement of the people in the next financial year which will begin in July,” he said.
He added that President William Ruto was keen on finding better land for the displaced residents. The DP directed those affected to form a 10-member committee that will work with the government on resettlement.
Gachagua invited the committee members together with the areas administration and deputy county commissioner to his office to firm up the relocation plans. The DP spoke during the launch of the construction of feeder roads funded by the county government.
He lauded Narok Governor Patrick Ole Ntutu for the construction of the feeder roads within the county to enhance residents’ access to markets for their farm produce and health facilities within the region.
The DP launched the 24km Bokoiyot-Marinwak-Kipkurkuret- Sogoo-Tengecha-Road and 6km Tumoyot-Menet road in Sogoo, Narok South. He noted that Sogoo was a food basket conducive to vegetables, wheat, maize and milk farming.
“The government is committed to opening up this area to potential markets and reducing post-harvest losses,” he said. The new roads are part of the 1,145 km of Lot 83 feeder roads and bridges within the six subcounties of Narok funded by the county.
“These roads will help farmers to reduce post-harvest losses by delivering their farm produce to the markets in time. This will ensure they fetch best prices in the market,” Gachagua said.
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