President William Ruto has announced that the government will compensate 12,000 individuals who were evicted from the Mau Forest in Narok County, with payments scheduled in the next financial year.
The Head of State recalled that in 2023, the government had already provided KSh300,000 to 2,000 families who were living in tents in the forest, allowing them to relocate and purchase land elsewhere.
“After we had dealt with the 2,000 families, leaders from Narok said many others had been left out. At the end of last year, I was given a list of 12,000. In the next budget, we will provide for funds to compensate them,” President Ruto said.
He further explained that the government will purchase 5,000 acres of land to allow families residing on a farm formerly owned by the family of former Provincial Commissioner Isaiah Cheluget to obtain ownership. On the contentious Angata Baragoi land, the government will acquire 1,500 acres for the community, ensuring lasting peace between the Maasai and Kalenjin communities.
The announcement was made at Mogondo village in Emurua Dikirr Constituency during the burial of the late MP Johana Ng’eno and four other victims of a helicopter crash in Mosop, Nandi County.
Honouring the Late MP Johana Ng’eno
President Ruto eulogised Ng’eno for his dedication to public service, highlighting the legislator’s initiatives to support local artists and creative industries.
“Hon Johana Ng’eno lived a life of dedicated service, making a remarkable and lasting contribution to the welfare of his constituents, our nation, and humanity,” he stated.
In Ng’eno’s honour, the Ministry of Housing will rename the Shauri Moyo Housing Estate in Nairobi to Johana Ng’eno Housing Estate, recognising his leadership as chair of the National Assembly Departmental Committee on Housing.
President Ruto also announced plans to establish a campus of Masai Mara University in Emurua Dikirr, with KSh750 million allocated to construct student hostels.
National Leaders Pay Tribute
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula, Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wa, Narok Governor Patrick Ole Ntutu, and other leaders, including Cabinet Secretaries Kipchumba Murkomen, Davis Chirchir, and Soipan Tuya, attended the funeral, praising Ng’eno’s legacy of leadership and community development.
“The late Johana Ng’eno was a great leader, who has made a great contribution not only to the people of Emurua Dikirr, but also the country at large,” Deputy President Kindiki said.
The event drew 94 MPs, highlighting Ng’eno’s influence and the respect he commanded across Kenya.
