More than 200 families living in Pioneer estate in Uasin Gishu County were evicted from houses belonging to the county government to pave way for the construction of new affordable homes.
Those who are affected said they had been living in the houses for more than 30 years — as tenants and they are wondering why they were not given more time to relocate.
The victims said that ,they had until March 2024 to vacate, only to suddenly be kicked out now.
“This is happening just as our children are about to return to school. This is quite sad and inhuman,” said one of them.
Lucas Obiero who had been living in the houses for three decades now, said that they are yet to be told how affected families will benefit from the new affordable housing programme once complete.
Some of the victims are accusing the county of reneging on its promise to give each family Sh10,000 to ease their pain and allow them to relocate smoothly.President William Ruto is expected on Tuesday to officially launch the free housing project in the county.
The County officials led by Governor Jonathan Bii and Uasin Gishu county commissioner Dr Eddison Nyale went to the estate on Tuesday and met with the families after which they were asked to vacate.
The construction that will be launched on Tuesday will be of 1,508 units at the estate where 9 high rise blocks would be developed.