NAROK, Kenya – The government has disbursed Sh2.6 billion to 13,000 families evicted from the Narok Mau Forest six years ago, with each beneficiary receiving Sh200,000 through M-Pesa to help them rebuild their lives away from the water tower.
President William Ruto presided over the disbursement at Sogoo in Narok South Constituency on Wednesday, during the final day of his two-day development tour of Narok County.
The payment is part of the government’s efforts to conclude the long-running resettlement of families removed from the Mau Forest.
“We are today officially closing the long and painful chapter of people who were removed from the Mau Forest, which will now be managed by the County Government of Narok,” Ruto said.
Government pays Mau Forest evictees
The 13,000 families each received Sh200,000, bringing the total amount disbursed to Sh2.6 billion.
Ruto said the government had previously supported another group of Mau Forest evictees.
In 2023, the government provided Sh300,000 each to 2,000 families who had been living in tents inside the Mau Forest, enabling them to leave the water tower and acquire land elsewhere.
The President said the latest payment would help close what he described as a long and painful chapter surrounding the eviction and resettlement of Mau Forest residents.
He also criticised the political debate surrounding the Mau issue, saying successive leaders had discussed the problem without providing lasting solutions.
“Many politicians have talked of the Mau question but I talked of the Mau answer. This is why we are here today closing this chapter,” Ruto said.
Government buys 5,800 acres for squatters
The President also announced that the government had purchased 5,800 acres of land to settle families who have been living as squatters on property previously owned by the family of former Provincial Commissioner Isaiah Cheluget.
“We are processing title deeds of the people living on the land after buying the Cheluget farm,” Ruto said.
The move is expected to provide land ownership security to families who have occupied the property.
Sh1.2 billion Johanna Ng’eno University
During his Narok tour, Ruto also announced the allocation of Sh1.2 billion for the construction of Johanna Ng’eno University in Emurua Dikirr Constituency.
The President laid the foundation stone for the institution, saying its establishment would fulfil a pledge made to residents and expand access to higher education.
“You told me, as residents of Emurua Dikirr, that you want a university. Today, I have brought Sh1.2 billion to construct the university that will be named after our brother Johana Ng’eno,” he said.
Ruto said the university would strengthen access to quality education while creating employment opportunities and attracting new investments to the area.
Modern markets and road projects
The President also inspected the Mamboleo Modern Market, which is expected to provide a safe and conducive trading environment for nearly 500 traders.
He later handed over the Emurua Dikirr Modern Market to small-scale traders, including Mama Mboga, boda boda operators and other entrepreneurs.
Ruto said modern markets were part of his administration’s efforts to support small businesses and recognise their contribution to Kenya’s economy.
“By delivering this modern market, we are honouring our pledge that every hustle matters,” he said.
The government also launched construction of the 18-kilometre Mogondo-Cheramgoi-Mogor-Soit road in Emurua Dikirr Constituency.
Ruto said the road would improve connectivity and unlock economic opportunities for residents.
Government promises action against violence
While inspecting the market, Ruto also addressed security concerns in the constituency and across the country.
He said the government would not tolerate violence or chaos and urged residents to maintain peace and work together to promote development.
“We want peace in this area. We want unity among the people here so that we can plan and pursue development together. We do not want hostility, conflict or chaos,” he said.
The President warned that individuals involved in violence would face government action, saying residents should be able to move freely without fear.
New KMTC hostels planned
The project is expected to support healthcare training while contributing to employment and the expansion of medical services in the region.
Ruto highlights 2022 manifesto record
The President used the Narok tour to challenge his political critics to present their own development records ahead of the next General Election.
He maintained that his administration had implemented at least 80 per cent of the pledges contained in its 2022 campaign manifesto.
“Kenyans will elect leaders based on their development record. Sloganeering will not make Kenyans to vote for them. They have a long way to go,” Ruto said.
Narok Governor Patrick Ntutu and several leaders, including Senate Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot, praised the President for what they described as fulfilment of his campaign promises.
Ntutu singled out the resettlement of Mau Forest evictees, construction of modern markets, affordable housing and road projects as evidence of the government’s development record.
“The resettlement of Mau Forest evictees, construction of modern markets, affordable houses and construction of roads across the country is a clear indication that this Government has delivered,” Ntutu said.
