This archive report was first published on 31 October 2019.
As the deadline for Mau Forest encroachers to leave voluntarily expired, Narok County Commissioner Samuel Kimiti revealed on Thursday that the majority of those who had encroached the Maasai Mau have already left.
According to Kimiti, at least 90% of the illegal settlers have vacated the area on their own volition, with authorities confirming 3,184 households have left out of the 3,366 earmarked for eviction. Another 182 households have partially vacated, leaving behind their produce in farms.
Security agencies are waiting for a directive to move in and clear the forest of all settlements ahead of a planned tree planting exercise. The exercise, which is set to commence on Friday, aims to replant over 10 million trees, with 400 people already employed to facilitate the forest rehabilitation process.
Kimiti dismissed claims of inhuman treatment of Mau settlers, particularly in regards to candidates from the 15 schools in the Mau who were to sit for their KCPE exams. He also poured cold water on attempts by leaders to stop people from leaving the Mau, stating that most of those affected had already decided against staying put.
Government agencies spearheading the Mau restoration have received a number of title deeds and allotment letters voluntarily surrendered by some of those who resided in the forest.
