The government, through the State Department of Special Programmes (SDSP), has been challenged to build houses for 51 Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) families residing at Vumilia camp in Kikopey area of Gilgil.
Speaking to journalists during a special prayer service to hand over a house she built for one elderly IDP at the camp, area Member of County Assembly (MCA) Jane Ngugi decried the terrible conditions the IDPs are living in.
‘‘It is sad that our fellow Kenyans are living in such conditions,” the elected ward representative said.
“The local administration should tell us how the IDPs were left out of the government compensation exercise,” added Ngugi.
The MCA said that since the camp was set up in 2008, three people have lost their lives due to the harsh conditions they have been forced to live in.
“IDPs at the neighbouring Ebenezer camp were paid Sh35,000 each and provided with new housing structures. How come those who are here were left out of that compensation? We cannot continue experiencing loss of lives. We need to act now."
Former camp chair Esther Ngure said that since the Ministry of Special Programmes was incorporated into the Devolution Ministry as a department, the IDPs have not been receiving any kind of help, including relief food.
‘‘The government should take precautions to ensure that no one perishes due to hunger or diseases originating from cold. Those residing in the camp have become more vulnerable due to the deteriorating conditions,” said Ngure.
Some residents will, however, be assisted to get better shelter by well-wishers who accompanied the MCA. The well-wishers offered to build 10 shelters for some of the most affected families in the area.