NAIROBI, Kenya — Senators have criticized the government over the prolonged failure to resettle internally displaced persons (IDPs) still living in camps in Laikipia County, describing the nearly two-decade delay as “inexcusable” and warning that inaction risks land grabs.
The Senate Committee on Lands, Environment and Natural Resources has now directed the Ministry of Lands to immediately allocate land to the displaced families, some of whom have lived in makeshift shelters since the 2007/2008 post-election violence.
Speaking during a site visit to an IDP camp in Salama Location, Nyahururu Sub-County, committee chairperson Senator Mohammed Faki expressed outrage that the government had already purchased 45 farms in the area for resettlement, yet no allotment letters or title deeds have been issued.
“Eighteen years is a long time. Many have died waiting for land they were promised,” said Faki. “The IDPs must be resettled this year. It is unacceptable that they are still living in plastic shelters without basic services.”
Conflicting Government Accounts
Senator Faki also called out contradictory statements from top government officials.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen reportedly told the Senate that there were no IDPs still living in camps, while Lands CS Alice Wahome claimed the resettlement was stalled due to lack of funds to subdivide the land.
“These contradictions are not only troubling—they show a disturbing lack of coordination and urgency,” Faki said. “The government must speak with one voice and act swiftly.”
He was accompanied by committee member Mariam Sheikh Omar during the tour, which follows a 2023 petition from national IDP representatives urging the Senate to intervene.
Deplorable Conditions and Risk of Land Grabbing
Faki described the camp conditions as dire, with families still living under polythene sheets and lacking access to clean water, sanitation, or healthcare.
He warned that the unoccupied land risks being grabbed if the government does not act quickly.
“The land is just sitting there. If we don’t move fast, it may fall into the wrong hands,” he cautioned.
To prevent further delays, Faki instructed Nyahururu Deputy County Commissioner Bernard Odino to work with camp leaders to compile a verified list of genuine IDPs—aimed at stopping imposters from benefiting from the resettlement program.
He also urged the Laikipia County government to drill a borehole on the land once families are settled, to ensure access to water.
Mounting Pressure
The Senate’s intervention adds pressure to a government already under scrutiny for delays in compensating and resettling IDPs across the country.
Interior PS Raymond Omollo was recently summoned over a Sh6.5 billion IDP compensation delay, while survivors of post-poll sexual violence continue to face stalled court processes.
“The Senate has now done its part. The government must do the right thing—resettle these families before the end of the year,” said Faki.
