Home demolitions are disturbing, need explaining

Housing is a basic necessity. For any society to thrive, its people must be properly sheltered.

Developed countries are where they are economically, politically, and socially because their people are sufficiently housed. The opposite is true of the Third World economies.

In this so-called Dark Continent, education, shelter, food and healthcare are luxuries to a majority of its population.

Worse is the fact that the rulers seem to care less about uplifting the lifestyles of the populace. In the end, society remains in a usual cocoon of poverty.

A disturbing trend has been taking root in Kenya of late. It is two weeks now since the Kyang’ombe demolition took place. Hundreds of families are still spending nights in the cold. Poor children are being rained on, for they have no place to call home.

But even before dust settles, the neighbouring population in Syokimau is in a dilemma. Gone, too, are their homes. It is distressing to see adults shedding tears on TV. But what else can they do when million-shilling investments are wiped out?

When the Kibaki regime took over in 2002, it made a horde of promises. Key among them was ensuring Kenyans’ basic needs are sufficiently taken care of. Indeed, the regime, now entering its eleventh hour has made a number of achievements, especially in provision of affordable education for all.

However, the country is sick and tired of inhumane demolitions carried out, normally in the dead of night.

Be cautious

Where was the State when people were injecting their hard-earned money into the Syokimau land? Wasn’t it important for Government to warn them against using land owned by the airports authority?

At a time commercial banks are raising their lending rates to historic highs, it means that majority of these affected populations would default on mortgage payments.

This would ultimately impact negatively on the performance of financial institutions, that are key contributors to the nation’s growth.

More importantly, however, is that land buyers should be cautious when purchasing land. There are many con artists in town.