Mai Mahiu Floods: Govt Offers KSh 5,000 Rent Aid To Displaced Victims, Directs Them To Vacate Camps

• Mai Mahiu residents who were displaced by floods were ordered to vacate the camps where they were accommodated after floods damaged their homes
• Those whose houses were not completely brought down were requested to leave the camps immediately
• A section of the victims aired their grievances stating that the amount allocated for their eviction would not be enough

Nancy Odindo, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings more than three years of experience covering politics, news, and feature stories across digital and print media in Kenya.

The recent torrential rainfalls across the country inflicted extensive damage and led to the displacement of thousands of residents.

Kamuchiri village in Mai Mahiu bore the brunt of the devastating floods, with nearly all homes, livestock, and property swept away, resulting in the tragic loss of over 60 lives.

The catastrophe unfolded when heavy rains exerted immense pressure on a dam at Old Kijabe, causing it to rupture on the night of April 29.

In the aftermath of the deluge, survivors and rescued individuals were relocated to temporary camps provided by the government, where they received essential aid and support.

Mai Mahiu victims ordered to leave camps

However, three weeks later, the government issued an ultimatum for them to vacate the camps within two weeks, according to Citizen Digital.

To assist the displaced, the government has offered rental assistance of KSh 5,000 per month to each of the more than 40 residents whose homes were destroyed, enabling them to rebuild their lives over the next three months.

Some victims lamented that they had lost everything and felt the promised amount would not cover all their needs.

Additionally, 11 families whose homes remain standing but were submerged in floodwaters have been instructed to return home immediately, signalling a transitional phase in their recovery process.

Weatherman warns of heavy rains

Meanwhile, the Kenya Meteorological Department warned of expected heavy downpours in 37 counties in the country.

The weatherman urged citizens to be cautious and avoid sheltering under trees or windows to evade lightning strikes

The department confirmed that the rains may be accompanied by strong winds and ocean waves that may cause severe damage to residences.

What else you need to know about floods in Kenya

• A family was heartbroken after losing eight family members in the Mai Mahiu flood tragedy
• Bolt Kenya partnered with the Kenya Red Cross Society to offer assistance to flood victims in most regions of the county
• The owner of the strong house that survived the devastating floods recounted seeing houses being washed away by floods

Proofreading by Otukho Jackson, a multimedia journalist and copy editor at TUKO.co.ke