Some Nairobi residents who have spent over 10 years are being offered a chance to go back to their rural homes and, in return, receive houses and monthly stipends.
The programme run by Natural Capital Trust, Kiska Repatriation Project, on Thursday, January 19, moved over 51 families from Kibera to various parts of Kisumu, Vihiga and Kakamega counties.
According to Natural Capital Trust, the residents are voluntarily relocated, and the organisation foots in transport and relocation charges.
"The organisation has a programme for each and everyone. We are going for those who don't have houses, and we are going to build for them," Dennis Ouma, Field Officer, Natural Capital Trust, stated.
"After building those houses, we are going to start small businesses for them so that they sustain themselves at home," he added.
Ouma added that the Natural Capital Trust would also offer them monthly stipends.
Explaining the scope of the project, Ouma indicated that it was aimed at addressing the housing challenge in urban areas. The high cost of living also influenced the decision.
According to one of the programme's beneficiaries, he had stayed in the Guatekera area in Kibera for over 20 years. But he accepted the offer to start afresh in Kakamega.
"Here, I worked as a matatu driver, but the returns were not enough because there are days when we don’t work. I will look for casual jobs at home as I slowly get into farming. I am travelling with all my children, but my firstborn will be back to continue his secondary schooling," he stated.
Judith Aoko lauded Natural Capital Trust maintaining that the monthly stipend would support her family back at their rural home.
"In Nairobi, I was paying rent, buying food and other basic commodities yet I only depended on casual jobs. But I am grateful for this opportunity which will help me settle and even start afresh," Aoko noted.
Janet Mangera, the Executive Director of Natural Capital Trust, explained that the organisation was formed in 2013 to give slum dwellers dignified lives.
She explains that the project aims to reduce poverty by reversing the migration pattern and sustainably settling people from urban areas back in their rural homes.
"We have actually signed an agreement with them that says that should they come back, they will have to reimburse us the money we used on them, because they have cost someone else an opportunity," Mangera insisted.
