By Jactone Omondi
The county government of Kisumu strives to resettle the Nubian community permanently, following demolitions that took place on the 5th of February 2021.
the demolitions that are set to pave way for the ongoing rehabilitation of the Nakuru-Kisumu metre-gauge railway line, the county government of Kisumu led by Governor Prof. Peter Anyang’ Nyong’o alongside the city manager Mr. Abala M. Wanga held a consultative meeting at City Hall to lias with Kibos Nubian community leadership to embark on emergency resettlement program for the community.
About 3,000 people were affected by the demolitions, rendering the families homeless, The Nubian community representatives however pleaded with the governor to reach out to them and to speed up the resettlement process as they were still facing various challenges including, floods following the current rains, the health status of young women, children and the aged, shelter, education and transportation.
The Governor with deep sympathy responded to their pleas by making a team in collaboration with other well-wishers, that shall draw their terms of reference which shall include a work time frame that will intervene immediately through a clarion call for urgent assistance to the affected families.
The resettlement committee that was formed by Governor Nyong’o comprises of various county executive members including George Okong’o for Finance, Dixon Obungu for Lands, Housing and Physical Planning, Boaz Nyunya for Health, John Awiti Obiero for Education, County Attorney Mr. Idris Omondi, City Manager Mr. Abala Wanna, Business Community representatives, the Chairman of Hindu Council and Kibos Nubian Community Representatives.
The county government in response shall;
• Quickly identify an alternative county government land that would accommodate the affected families and issue title deeds and also offer affordable housing
• Provide proper drainage and access to road with the settlement
• To construct a new mosque for them
• Construct dormitories for women and children
•Provide water and set up sanitation facilities
• Set up medical camps in the affected areas.
Despite the challenges, governor Nyong’o still hopes for the best as the team strives to find a permanent solution. He thanked the Nubian community for having full cooperation with the county government of Kisumu in ensuring their better life.
