The State has issued a cheque of close to Sh1 billion for the resettlement of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) at the Alko camp in Rongai constituency.
Devolution and Planning Principal Secretary (PS) John Konchella gave the Sh996 million cheque and revealed that Sh1.1 billion was spent to Nakuru County for similar programmes.
Konchella said that 249 families will benefit from the money given by the central government for their resettlement.
He said that since the launch of the cash payment for IDPs resettlement, those profiled after the 2007 post-election violence have received land and cash compensations for their loss.
“A total of Sh236 million has been given to post-election violence IDPs and over Sh876 million used to resettle Mau forest evictees. The IDPs received Sh400,000 to move out of the camps and look for land of their choice to settle on,” Konchellah said.
At the same time, the PS urged residents to take advantage of the recently launched Uwezo Fund – aimed at empowering women and youth economically.
However, Alko camp chairman Ronald Ayieko asked the government to increase the amount given to the IDPs. He argued that harsh economic times made it difficult to permanently settle on the amount offered.
“We are grateful but the Sh400,000 is not adequate as it can only buy one-acre of land in this area. The IDPs resettled earlier were allocated two and a quarter acres by the government,” Ayieko added.
Konchella, who was accompanied by Nakuru County commissioner Mohammed Birik, also visited evictees at the Mau forest to issue similar cheques at Kuresoi. Birik cautioned the beneficiaries against misusing the money, saying the government had offered them a rare chance to redefine their lives and destiny.