Over 200 families living in Pioneer estate in Uasin Gishu county have been evicted from houses belonging to the county government to pave way for the construction of new affordable homes.

Some of the affected families told Wananchi Reporting that they had been living in the houses for more than 30 years -- as tenants.

Many of them wondered why they were not handed more time to make adequate plans to relocate.

According to one of the affected residents, Naomi Tangwonyi, they had received verbal notice informing that they had until March 2024 to vacate, only to suddenly be kicked out now.

"This is happening just as our children are about to return to school. This is quite sad and inhuman,” said Tangwonyi.

On his part, Lucas Obiero who had been living in the houses for three decades now, said that they are yet to be told how affected families will benefit from the new affordable housing programme once complete.

Others are accusing the county of reneging on its promise to give each family Ksh.10,000 to ease their pain – and allow them to relocate smoothly.

Some of the affected families told Wananchi Reporting they have nowhere to relocate to presently, and are instead asking for more time so they can send their children to school – before they can relocate.

President William Ruto is expected to soon officially launch the free housing project in the county.