By Fredrick Kioko.
The Government has paid KSh2.6 billion to 13,000 families who were evicted from the Narok Mau Forest six years ago, marking what President William Ruto described as the closure of a long and painful chapter surrounding the conservation of the critical water tower.
Speaking on Wednesday at Sogoo in Narok South Constituency, during the final day of his two-day development tour of Narok County, President Ruto said each beneficiary had received KSh200,000 through M-Pesa to enable them to start afresh away from the Mau Forest.
The President said the compensation programme was aimed at permanently resolving the humanitarian and environmental challenges that had persisted following the eviction of thousands of families from the forest.
“In 2023, we gave KSh300,000 each to 2,000 families who were living in tents in the Mau Forest so that they could leave the water tower and purchase land elsewhere,” President Ruto said.
“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.”
President Ruto accused politicians of turning the Mau Forest issue into a political matter without offering lasting solutions to the affected families.
“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,” he said.
The President also announced that the Government had purchased 5,800 acres of land to settle families who had been squatting on land owned by the family of former Provincial Commissioner Isaiah Cheluget.
He said the Government was now processing title deeds for families living on the land after completing the purchase of the Cheluget farm.
“We are processing title deeds for the people living on the land after buying the Cheluget farm,” he said.
During the tour, President Ruto also announced that the Government had allocated KSh1.2 billion for the construction of Johana Ng’eno University in Emurua Dikirr Constituency.
Speaking when he laid the foundation stone for the university, the President said the institution would fulfil a pledge he had made to the people of Emurua Dikirr and expand access to higher education for students across the country.
“You told me, as residents of Emurua Dikirr, that you wanted a university. Today, I have brought KSh1.2 billion to construct the university that will be named after our brother Johana Ng’eno,” he said.
President Ruto expressed confidence that the university would create employment opportunities, stimulate investment and boost economic activity in the region.
The Head of State also inspected the Mamboleo Modern Market, which is expected to provide a safe and conducive business environment for nearly 500 traders.
He pledged that the Government would intensify the fight against criminality and violence in Emurua Dikirr and other parts of the country, saying peace and unity were essential for 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,” the President said.
He warned that individuals involved in acts of violence would face the law, adding that Kenyans should be able to move freely and conduct their businesses without fear.
President Ruto also laid the foundation stone for hostels at the Trans Mara East Kenya Medical Training College, describing the project as a major investment in healthcare training, employment and improved medical services.
On politics, the President challenged his critics to prepare to account for their development records ahead of the 2027 General Election.
He maintained that his administration had fulfilled at least 80 per cent of the promises contained in his 2022 campaign manifesto.
“Kenyans will elect leaders based on their development record. Sloganeering will not make Kenyans vote for them. They have a long way to go,” he said.
The President also handed over the Emurua Dikirr Modern Market to Mama Mboga, small-scale traders and entrepreneurs, saying the project was part of his administration’s commitment to improving the working environment for small businesses.
“By delivering this modern market, we are honouring our pledge that every hustle matters. We are demonstrating that Mama Mboga, the boda boda rider and other traders are just as important to our nation’s economic transformation as all other entrepreneurs,” he said.
Additionally, President Ruto launched the construction of the 18-kilometre Mogondo-Cheramgoi-Mogor-Soit Road in Emurua Dikirr Constituency, saying the project would improve connectivity and unlock greater economic opportunities in the region.
Narok Governor Patrick Ntutu and several leaders, including Senate Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot, commended President Ruto for implementing promises made during the 2022 General Election campaign.
The leaders singled out the resettlement and compensation of families evicted from the Mau Forest as one of the administration’s major achievements.
Governor Ntutu said the resettlement of Mau Forest evictees, construction of modern markets, affordable housing projects and expansion of road infrastructure demonstrated that the Government had delivered on its promises to Kenyans.
