Families displaced by Mai Mahiu floods yet to return to their farms

Victims of the Mai Mahiu dam tragedy which killed over 60 people next to their homes which were damaged by the flash floods. The government has set aside Sh250m towards their resettlement. [Photo/Antony Gitonga]

One year after the Mai Mahiu dam tragedy, which left over 60 people dead and displaced dozens more, families affected by the disaster have yet to return to their farms.

Once admired for their fertility and scenic views, the farms have now become barren stretches of land scattered with boulders and deep trenches, following the loss of fertile topsoil washed away by the floods.

The current crisis has been attributed to unfulfilled government promises and the psychological trauma caused by the tragedy-even as a few brave individuals have defied the odds and returned to the devastated land.

On April 29, a blocked railway culvert in Kijabe burst, flooding several villages in Mai Mahiu. The deluge killed more than 60 people and left a trail of destruction in its wake.

According to Rachel Wanjiku, one of the victims, the land they once called home is now uninhabitable due to the extensive damage caused by the floodwaters.

"For years, we tilled this land and grew all kinds of vegetables," said Wanjiku. "We used irrigation to farm, but the floods swept away all the fertile soil, leaving behind rocks. The land is now useless."

Speaking in Kamucira village, she appealed to the government to honour its promise to resettle the victims who were rendered homeless by the disaster.

Her sentiments were echoed by Dennis Waweru, who noted that the area was once one of the most productive in terms of food production.

"That has changed. This land can no longer be cultivated in its current condition. The only viable solution is for us to be resettled elsewhere," he said. "All the fertile soil was washed away. We are calling on the government to come to our aid."

Sarah Muchiri added that they would be willing to return to their farms if the government offered a viable solution to the current crisis.

"We had five acres, and nearly all of it was destroyed by the floods," she said. "We're appealing to the Ministry of Agriculture to help us resolve this issue."

Naivasha MP Jane Kihara, speaking earlier, said that the resettlement process had stalled after the government and landowners failed to agree on land prices.

She explained that the government had allocated Sh250 million for the planned resettlement, but negotiations reached an impasse due to differing valuations.

"As it stands, we are back to square one. The landowners are unwilling to lower their prices, and the government remains firm on its offer," said Kihara.