Ruto Closes Mau Forest Chapter With KSh2.6B Payout

​President William Ruto has officially declared the contentious, long-standing Mau Forest eviction dispute closed, capping off the process with a substantial financial payout to thousands of displaced families.

​Speaking in Sogoo, Narok South Constituency, during the final leg of his development tour in the region, President Ruto announced the immediate release of KSh2.6 billion (approximately $20 million). Under this final phase, 13,000 verified evictees are receiving KSh200,000 ($1,500) each via mobile money transfer to help them establish new livelihoods and rebuild their lives away from the critical water tower.

​Balancing Conservation and Human Welfare

​The Mau Forest complex is Kenya’s largest water catchment area, playing an irreplaceable ecological role by feeding major rivers and sustaining regional agriculture, wildlife, and domestic water supply. However, past government operations to clear human settlements and curb widespread deforestation left thousands displaced, triggering intense political debates and social hardship.

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​Addressing the gathered residents, President Ruto emphasized that his administration chose practical solutions over endless rhetoric.

​”Many politicians have talked of the Mau question, but I talked of the Mau answer,” Ruto stated, adding that the area must now be managed securely by the County Government of Narok without remaining a political football.

​Resolving Years of Uncertainty

​This latest tranche builds on earlier government efforts. In a prior phase, 2,000 families previously residing in temporary camps received KSh300,000 each to facilitate their relocation and purchase land elsewhere.

​The closure of the compensation program comes on the heels of mounting pressure, including protests earlier in the year where displaced families marched toward Nairobi demanding intervention. With the disbursement now complete, the administration aims to draw a definitive line under one of the country’s most polarizing land and environmental dilemmas, allowing authorities to shift full focus toward the long-term ecological restoration and fencing of the vital water tower.

​President Ruto announces KSh2.6 billion compensation for Mau Forest evictees

​This video provides footage and live coverage of President William Ruto’s official announcement regarding the KSh2.6 billion payout to Mau Forest evictees in Narok South.