President William Ruto has announced the release of Sh2.6 billion to assist 13,000 people who were evicted from the Mau Forest and support their resettlement in alternative areas.
Ruto said the financial package is intended to ease the suffering of families who have endured displacement and uncertainty for the past six years.
“We have released KSh2.6 billion to support 13,000 people who were evicted from the Mau Forest, enabling them to find alternative places to settle,” Ruto said.
He described the move as a major relief for affected families, saying the government was working to address long-standing challenges surrounding the Mau Forest.
The President also announced the lifting of a caveat that had restricted activities on land bordering the Mau Forest. The move will allow landowners to resume agricultural activities without the previous restrictions.
“We have also lifted the caveat that had been placed on land bordering the Mau Forest, giving owners the freedom to continue with agricultural activities without hindrance,” he said.
Ruto said the measures would help end the recurring political disputes surrounding the Mau Forest during election periods by providing a lasting solution to the issue.
“This brings to an end the culture of doing politics with the Narok Mau Forest every election year by providing a clear and long-lasting answer,” the President said.
He added that securing a definite title deed for the Mau Forest would strengthen efforts to protect the critical water tower from further encroachment.
“With the Mau Forest now with a definite title deed, we will be better placed to prevent further encroachment and strengthen conservation of the critical water tower,” Ruto said.
The President noted that the Mau ecosystem supports millions of people through its contribution to water supplies, agriculture and livelihoods in Kenya and beyond.
Ruto also announced that the government had acquired the 5,800-acre Cheluget land, formerly associated with a Provincial Commissioner, in Narok South.
The acquisition is expected to resolve a land dispute that has affected about 600 families for nearly 30 years.
“Next month, we will conclude this process by issuing title deeds to the families,” Ruto said.
He said the affected families had spent decades living with uncertainty and the constant fear of eviction because they lacked formal ownership documents.
“For more than three decades, the squatting families lived in constant uncertainty and threat of eviction,” Ruto said.
According to the President, securing land ownership will enable the families to invest in their farms, improve their homes and plan for the future without fear of losing their land.
“Today, that is coming to an end,” he said.
Ruto Highlights Education Reforms and New Institutions in Narok
