North Eastern regional commissioner John Otieno says plans are underway to relocate all IDPs currently being hosted in schools in readiness for re-opening on Monday.
Addressing the press after touring Hyuga Girls Primary School one of the institutions hosting IDPs, Otieno said that following a meeting with relevant government departments and the Kenya Red Cross alternative camps have been identified where the IDPs will be relocated.
The RC who was accompanied by his security team, the Kenya Red Cross ,education officials and county officials said that the exercise will be conducted smoothly calling for cooperation from the IDPs.
“We have over 400 households camping in four learning institutions. We have come here to assess the situation and inform the IDPs of alternative relocation sites. I am happy that they have heeded to our call to vacate the institution to allow for learning to resume on Monday,” Otieno said.
Fowzia Farah who spoke on behalf of fellow IDPs camping at Hyuga girls said they have no objection into relocating to alternative sites but urged the government to assure them of security, food and provision of necessary relief items.
“We are here courtesy of the government. We have no problem moving out as long as we are provided with basic items. This a natural disaster that we have no control over,” she stated.
According to the Kenya red cross a total of 13,770 IDPs are being hosted in five institutions within Garissa Township constituency.
The schools include Hyuga girls ,Young Muslim high school ,Jaribu primary, Kazuko Primary school and NEP technical college.
Garissa has the largest number of IDPs, totalling 21,597 across 11 camps.
