Deputy President Kithure Kindiki on Tuesday handed over title deeds to 105 families affected by the devastating 2024 Maai Mahiu floods, in a move aimed at restoring dignity and securing livelihoods for victims of the tragedy.
Speaking in Maai Mahiu on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, the Deputy President said the Government had fully compensated homeowners whose houses were swept away following a dam burst that triggered deadly floods in the area.
The 105 homeowners have each been allocated parcels of land and issued with title deeds, marking the completion of a resettlement process that began shortly after the disaster struck.
“We made a promise to the people of Maai Mahiu that no family would be left behind. Today, we are fulfilling that promise,” Prof Kindiki said.
In addition, 56 families who had been renting houses destroyed by the floods will also benefit from land allocations to enable them rebuild their lives.
The DP directed Lands Cabinet Secretary Alice Wahome to immediately identify a suitable parcel of land, acquire it through laid down legal procedures, expedite subdivision and allocate plots to the 56 tenant families within the shortest time possible.
“All the families who were affected both homeowners and tenants will be provided with land. We want them to rebuild their homes and restore their dignity,” he said.
A total of 161 families have also received Sh20,000 each from the Government to support their resettlement and meet immediate needs as they begin relocation.
The second in command also reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to long-term recovery and economic revitalisation of the region, noting that infrastructure and development projects underway would spur growth and enhance safety.
He said the ongoing expansion of the Rironi–Mau Summit highway is progressing as planned and will significantly reduce road accidents along the busy stretch while boosting economic activities in the wider region.
“The expansion of the Rironi–Mau Summit road will open up this region for trade and investment. It will also address the frequent accidents that have claimed lives over the years,” he said.
The DP further announced that construction of the Maai Mahiu Modern Market will commence within the next one week, revealing that the contractor is expected on site within days.
The market project, he said, is part of the Government’s broader plan to empower small-scale traders and create employment opportunities, particularly for young people.
“Construction of markets and affordable houses is one of the ways we are creating jobs for our youth. We do not want our young people to be misused by politicians to fulfil sinister motives,” Prof Kindiki noted.
He highlighted several youth empowerment initiatives rolled out by the Government, including the NYOTA programme, Kazi Mtandaoni and Kazi Majuu, saying they have had a positive impact on thousands of young Kenyans.
According to the former Interior Cabinet Secretary , the programmes are designed to provide skills training, digital job opportunities and overseas employment prospects to help tackle unemployment and reduce vulnerability among the youth.
Local leaders and residents welcomed the issuance of title deeds, terming it a turning point for families that have endured nearly two years of uncertainty since the floods struck.
“For many beneficiaries, the documents symbolise not just land ownership but a fresh start after a painful chapter marked by loss and displacement,”said one of the beneficiary .
kindiki reiterated that disaster preparedness and enforcement of environmental and safety regulations remain key priorities to avert similar tragedies in future.
