West Pokot Governor, Simon Kachapin, has launched a transformative initiative dubbed Operation Ondoa Nyasi, to uplift the living standards of vulnerable households by replacing traditional grass-thatched roofs with iron sheets.
The program according to the governor is a key component of the county’s development agenda and a fulfillment of pledges made during his re-election campaign.
He said four out of ten families in rural parts of West Pokot live in deplorable grass-thatched homes, due to poverty, pastoralistic traditions and a nomadic way of life.
Kachapin said although grass-thatched houses represent cultural heritage and resilience, he said it expose residents to significant risks including fire hazards during dry season, flooding during heavy rains.
The Governor emphasized that such appalling houses expose families to destructive pests and diseases, which not only threaten their health and hygiene, but also aggravate environmental degradation especially loss of vegetation, soil-erosion, and reduced climate resilience.
‘‘The transition to iron sheet roofs is expected to yield multiple socio-economic and environmental benefits including improved safety, dignity, and public health. The iron sheets support rainwater harvesting for household use, support renewable energy adoption, such as solar lighting, reduce maintenance costs, enhancing household productivity and access to education,’’ Governor Kachapin said.
To realise the initiative, he said the county government has allocated Ksh50 million to purchase iron sheets.
Kachapin said 20 wards across the county will benefit, with iron sheets distribution to over 2500 deserving families.
He said those who will receive iron sheets will contribute labor and supplementary materials, which will promote community ownership and sustainability of the initiative.
He said the initiative emphasizes grassroots participation, fostering stronger partnership between the government and public
Governor Kachapin said the move supports national government goals on housing and climate change adaptation.
He said replacing grass roofs reduces pressure on grazing lands, promoting better pasture availability and livestock resilience during droughts.
He said replacing grass roofs is a smart investment for both people and the environment, contributing to climate resilience and sustainable development.
In his remarks, County Executive Member for Water, Environment, Climate Change, and Natural Resources, highlighted that the initiative aims to upgrade all grass-thatched houses across the county to iron sheet roofs.
He said Ondoa Nyasi project particularity targets widows, especially elderly women, who have been neglected and live in deplorable conditions.
Kamsait emphasized that transformative leadership is demonstrated when families sleep safely, live comfortably, and see tangible change at home.
He reflected on his past experiences of living in grass thatched house and expressed a desire to prevent current and future generations from enduring such lifestyles.
Chepsikir Lokoritudo, a resident of Chepsepei village in Kaheliba, expressed her support for the housing upgrade initiative.
Having lived in a grass-thatched house since birth, she highlighted the dangers associated with such homes.
‘‘Some of the grass-thatched roofs are homes for snakes and rats. This is a risk for us who sleep in them,’’ she said.
Chemwoyo Loyesiakou, another resident of Kacheliba, welcomed the replacement of grass thatch with metal sheets and expressed her readiness to build a modern house.
Michael Samaki also voiced concerns about the region’s development status, noting the vulnerabilities of current housing materials.
‘‘The grass materials we use to construct houses get destroyed easily and are eaten by ants. Right now, there is no grass, and houses leak when it rains. We also want the National Government to help us bring change at the grassroots, ’he said.
By Anthony Melly
