State sets aside Sh1b to repair schools damaged by torrents
The Government has set to allocate Sh1 billion towards reconstruction of schools damaged by floods.
“I want to assure you that the government has set aside Sh1 billion so that we may reconstruct the schools and ensure that every child in Nairobi, and other parts of the country, goes back to school when we give a directive to reopen,” the President said while touring Mathare in Nairobi,
While assuring that the government will ensure all schools are renovated to facilitate the smooth resumption of education once schools reopen, President Ruto also disclosed that all families affected by floods in various parts of the country will be supported with all the 40,000 households displaced in Nairobi receiving Sh10,000 to find alternative accommodation.
Ruto said the money will assist displaced families as the Government plans their next move, even as he assured that no money will be lost under this programme.
“Every household of the 40,000 that have been displaced in Nairobi is going to be paid Sh10,000 so that they can find alternative accommodation as we plan for their future as Government so that every Kenyan has a home and a place to call home,” said Ruto.
Assess situation
The President was speaking after visiting Nairobi’s Mathare slum to assess the flood situation where he assured Kenyans of Government’s support.
“Na nimesema hiyo pesa haitakuliwa na mabwenyenye, wale watu wakijaribu hiyo Kiswahili watakutana na mimi. Nimewaambia wakora, wafisadi na wezi mambo yao ni matatu (I have said that the money will not be eaten by cartels, if they try to, I will deal with them. I have told cartels, corrupt and thieves that they have three options…” he added.
He said lives and livelihood have been lost owing to the ongoing rains but assured that the Government will support them adding that no Kenyan will sleep hungry because adequate food will be distributed.
Ruto also stated that adequate money has been set aside to buy food and all Kenyans affected will receive assistance until they can resume their normal lives.
Sought refuge
“I am so sorry to the people who lived here, their houses and property destroyed. All this has happened in other parts of the country and also the world and brought about by climate change but I am here so that the people can know that the Government will stand with them,” the President said.
He lauded the residents for swiftly moving out of the flooded areas saying lives were saved in the process.
Ruto also assured that they will be allowed to stay where they have sought refuge until the Government can identify where they will be moved to rebuild their lives.
At the same time, Ruto said that Sh1 billion will go towards construction of schools damaged by the floods to ensure learning continues when reopened.
He said the affordable housing project will be implemented in the area to support thousands of Kenyans living in informal settlements to have decent living.
Ruto directed Housing Principal Secretary, Charles Hinga to advertise construction of 20,000 houses in Nairobi by Friday, starting with the Kiamako project so that they can be among the first to benefit under the social housing programme.
“This week, we will advertise a tender to build 5,000 houses to benefit those who live in this area, another 5,000 will be constructed in Kibra and 10,000 in Kasarani. This week alone, we will advertise construction of 20,000 houses to help people in Nairobi’s informal settlements,” said Ruto.
The President said that the Government will work with Kenyans to evacuate and relocate all citizens in riparian reserves for their safety, where they will also be protected and enough food provided.
The residents, he said, will be pay Sh3,000 and will have all basic sanitation amenities.
The President also said that he has ordered the construction of at least 30-storey building from the previous 12 to accommodate as many people as possible.
He said that the Mukuru housing project with 15,000 units has progressed well and allocation will commence in two months.
