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Residents in Kitui Village, Pumwani ward remain stranded following house demolitions

Houses demolished in Kitui Village, Pumwani Ward, Kamukunji Constituency. Photo: Charity Kilei

By Charity Kilei | 03 May 2024

Demolitions are currently ongoing at the site, with most of the inhabitants with nowhere to go.

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Residents of Kitui Village in Pumwani Ward are facing a dire situation as they have been instructed to vacate their homes due to ongoing demolitions. Many people, especially those living in low-lying areas prone to flooding, are uncertain about their future.

Among them is Irakunda Dafne, a 29-year-old woman who gave birth Thursday. Despite her desire to move to safer ground, her recent childbirth makes it challenging to search for a new home. She fears facing floods with her newborn if they stay behind, but finding an affordable and available house on higher ground proves difficult, leaving her feeling overwhelmed and anxious.

"I want to leave for safer grounds, but given my condition, it's hard to even walk around searching for houses. I also don't want to risk experiencing floods with my young child. We've been scouting for houses on higher ground, but most are already occupied," Dafne explains her predicament.

Dafne Ikunda, one of the villagers stranded in Kitui Village, Pumwani Ward. Photo: Charity Kilei

The demand for houses on safer ground surged after the area experienced flash floods in March, prompting many to relocate. However, securing accommodation in these safer areas is steep, with landlords demanding substantial deposits. Dafnie reveals that a single-room house on higher ground costs between 4000-5000, plus a deposit of the equivalent amount, while houses in the lower section range from 1000-3500 without a deposit.

Despite their efforts, Dafnie and her neighbours struggle to gather the required funds to secure new accommodation. Dafnie laments, "We had already paid rent for our current house by the 30th of this month, and the landlord refuses to refund the money. We're just trying to make ends meet while trusting God's provision."

Nearby, another woman shares similar challenges in finding affordable housing. "My neighbours have already moved, but I'm having trouble finding a place within my budget. I've packed my belongings and will move if I find a suitable house. We're just asking for a bit more time to sort things out," she said.

According to Kilonzzo Nzuki, the chairperson of Kitui Village, most residents have already relocated, leaving only a small number in the risky lower areas. Nzuki emphasises the need for clear direction from the government on temporary housing solutions for those unable to afford new accommodation. "If the government could guide temporary housing options, it would greatly help those currently stranded. It's essential to prevent people from being left without shelter as they work to stabilize their situations," Nzuki said.

Kitui Village chairperson Nzioka Kilonzo speaks to journalists on April 2, 2024, when he urged residents to move to safe locations following a flood warning. (Photo: Justine Ondieki)

As discussions about evictions and relocations unfold in various areas like Gikomba and Mkuru kwa Njenga, the plight of residents like Dafnie and her neighbours underscores the urgent need for support and solutions to address their housing challenges, evoking empathy and a call to action from the broader community.