IDPs to receive kshs 410,000 per household as government sets to close all the remaining camps

The government has announced its plan to close all the remaining Internally Displaced Persons' camps before the end of this month.

Announcing the plan, the Devolution and planning Cabinet Secretary Anne Waiguru said each household will receive Kshs 400,000 and an additional Kshs 10,000. “Resettlement of IDPs is a key component in assuring Kenya’s long-term stability and the Jubilee Government is fully committed to taking steps to resolve this matter,” she said.

While addressing members of the press, the minister said the Jubilee government set apart Sh3.3 billion to resettle some 8,298 IDPs households. “We want to ensure that those who were unwillingly uprooted from their homes and livelihoods find a way into normal society,” said the minister.

When asked how the money will be disbursed, the Cabinet Secretary said the government has already opened bank accounts for the families and the heads of the households will be signatories to the same and will be required to confirm them before the money is released. “The head of the household, and the spouse will be the joint signatories to the money. This is a move to ensure that women are not left behind in the monetary decisions that will ultimately affect their livelihoods,” said Ms Waiguru.

The government advised the IDPs, who have been in the camps for the last six years, to use that money to buy land where they would resettle.

The camps that are set to be closed include Maai Mahiu, Nakuru, Eldoret, Kikopey, Kiambu, Trans Nzoia, Elgeyo Marakwet and Uasin Gishu.