Deputy President Kithure Kindiki on Tuesday presided over the issuance of title deeds to 105 families affected by the April 2024 Maai Mahiu floods tragedy, marking a significant milestone in the government’s resettlement and recovery efforts.
The ceremony was held in Naivasha Constituency, Nakuru County, during an Economic Empowerment Forum for small-scale traders in Longonot.
Restoring dignity through land ownership
Speaking during the event in Maai Mahiu, Naivasha Constituency, Nakuru County, Kindiki said the government remains committed to restoring dignity and stability to families who lost homes and livelihoods in the devastating floods.
“Today, we are issuing title deeds to 105 families affected by the Maai Mahiu floods tragedy. We made a promise to you that you will not be forgotten, and we have fulfilled that promise,” Kindiki said.
He emphasised that secure land ownership would shield the beneficiaries from future displacement and give them a stable foundation to rebuild their lives.
“A title deed is not just a piece of paper. It is security, dignity and a fresh start for every family that suffered during that tragedy,” he added.
Long-term recovery measures
The Deputy President noted that the government had shifted focus from emergency response to long-term recovery and resettlement.
“Our responsibility did not end with rescue operations. We committed to ensuring permanent resettlement, and that is why we are here today handing over these title deeds,” he stated.
Kindiki further assured residents that the government would continue investing in disaster preparedness and environmental protection measures to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
“We are strengthening early warning systems and planning frameworks to ensure that such disasters do not claim lives and livelihoods again,” he said.
Economic Empowerment for Traders
During the Economic Empowerment Forum in Longonot, Kindiki also highlighted the need to support small-scale traders as part of the broader recovery strategy.
“Economic empowerment is central to our agenda. When we support small-scale traders, we are strengthening families and communities,” he said.
He reiterated the government’s commitment to inclusive economic growth, noting that grassroots entrepreneurs play a critical role in driving local economies.
Boost for small-scale traders
The event also featured an Economic Empowerment Forum targeting small-scale traders in Longonot and surrounding areas of Naivasha Constituency.
Kindiki underscored the importance of empowering grassroots entrepreneurs, noting that economic resilience is critical in helping communities recover from disasters.
He reiterated that the government’s broader economic agenda seeks to uplift small businesses, create opportunities and ensure inclusive growth across counties.
A New chapter for flood survivors
For the 105 beneficiary families, the title deeds represent a new beginning nearly two years after the tragedy that upended their lives.
Local leaders present at the event welcomed the move, saying secure land ownership would provide stability and encourage investment in housing and livelihoods.
The Deputy President assured residents that the government would continue implementing measures aimed at preventing similar tragedies, including improved planning, environmental management and disaster preparedness in flood-prone areas.
