Affordable Housing Initiative Triggers Eviction of 200 Families in Uasin Gishu

The eviction saw over 200 families kicked out of pioneer estate in Uasin Gishu county to pave way for construction of new affordable houses

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• Over 200 families in Uasin Gishu county's Pioneer estate face eviction for new affordable housing.

• Families, tenants for over 30 years, express frustration over sudden eviction without sufficient relocation time.

• Verbal notice of eviction until March 2024 was not honored, causing distress among affected residents.

• Lack of information on how families will benefit from the upcoming affordable housing program.

• Some residents accuse the county of not fulfilling a promise of Ksh.10,000 per family for smooth relocation.

• Affected families plead for more time to find alternative housing, citing children's imminent return to school.

• President William Ruto expected to launch the free housing project in the county soon.

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In Uasin Gishu county, over 200 families residing in Pioneer estate are facing eviction from houses owned by the county government to make room for the construction of new affordable homes. 

Numerous affected families, who have been tenants in these residences for over 30 years, expressed surprise and frustration at the sudden eviction, questioning the lack of sufficient time to make adequate relocation plans.

Naomi Tangwonyi, one of the affected residents, disclosed that they initially received a verbal notice stating they had until March 2024 to vacate, only to be abruptly forced out before the stipulated time. 

Tangwonyi lamented the timing of the eviction, coinciding with the imminent return of their children to school, deeming the situation both distressing and inhumane.

Lucas Obiero, another long-term resident with three decades of occupancy, highlighted the lack of information regarding how the affected families would benefit from the upcoming affordable housing program once it is completed. 

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Some residents accused the county of not fulfilling its promise to provide each family with Ksh.10,000 to facilitate a smoother relocation process.

In light of their present predicament, some affected families conveyed their current lack of alternative housing options and pleaded for an extension to allow them time to enroll their children in school before relocating. 

The impending launch of the free housing project in the county by President William Ruto adds urgency and complexity to the situation. 

The affected families are grappling with uncertainties regarding their future and the promises made by the county government to ease their transition during this challenging period.