Gov’t sets aside Ksh300M to rebuild homes for Maai Mahiu flood victims
The government has set aside Ksh300 million to rebuild homes for families displaced by floods.
Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua said the government is also working on resettling the affected families elsewhere.
“We will assist the displaced families to rebuild their lives. It is a difficult situation and as the Government we must support them. I assure you that we will walk with you in this journey,” said Gachagua.
The DP spoke on Thursday when he joined thousands of mourners in an emotional memorial service for 61 victims of the Maai-Mahiu flooding tragedy at Mo Gas Grounds, in the outskirts of Maai-Mahiu, Nakuru County.
Gachagua also highlighted the directives and actions taken by the Government to address the flooding crisis caused by enhanced rains pounding the country.
“We have agreed with Cabinet Secretary for Transport and Roads Kipchumba Murkomen that Maai-Mahiu -Kijabe road will be graded and apply good gravel of right standards so that residents can start using it. The Kenya Defence Forces and the National Youth Service personnel deployed by the President in this area and their equipment will continue to stay, to open up the roads and restore the damaged bridges,” said Gachagua.
Gachagua further directed the Cabinet Secretary for Water Zachary Njeru to ensure Maai-Mahiu town gets connected to clean and safe water.
The Deputy President also delivered President William Ruto’s message of condolence and comfort to the families.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with you in this tough times. We are actively coordinating relief efforts to alleviate the loss of livelihoods. Let us pray for those affected by the flooding,” said President Ruto in the condolence message.
The victims were killed in a deluge after an overflowing reservoir located at the Old Kijabe Railway tunnel wiped out a swathe of houses in Kamuchiri village near Maai-Mahiu town.
Several others are missing and a military-led search exercise is ongoing.
Political leaders led by Nakuru governor Susan Kihika and the area MP Jayne Kihara lauded the Deputy President for leading government’s response to the communities devastated by floods and landslides.
The DP was accompanied by Cabinet Secretaries, Governors, Senators and more than 40 members of parliament from various parts of the country.
