Following the signing of the peace agreement between the Kenyan
government and the main opposition party, the Orange Democratic
Movement, IOM is providing transport to thousands of people
displaced in Kenya by violence at the start of the year so that
they can return to their former homes.

Assistance so far has been given to more than 1,600 displaced
people who had been taking shelter at the Noigam camp in Rift
Valley Province to the Geta Farms in the North Rift. Another 3,000
people will be returned home in the next two weeks.

Approaching rains ahead of the planting season is the main
reason why returnees are choosing to go back to their farms.

During the peak of the displacement crisis, IOM, in
collaboration with Kenya Red Cross, provided support in the site
planning and management of camps for internally displaced people
(IDPs) in Rift Valley Province, the registration of IDPs, the
logistics and procurement of shelter material as well as the
distribution of firewood. Transport assistance was also given to
about 4,000 IDPs, who opted to go back to their ancestral
homes.

In addition and together with the Kenyan Department of Mental
Health, IOM has provided psychological support through training in
conflict-driven displacement and an assessment on psychological
needs at IDP camps.

Out of nearly 31,500 IDPs in northern Rift Valley Province, one
of the worst affected by post-electoral violence, only a small
fraction has indicated an interest to return to their farms. Some
are sceptical about security upon returning while others are afraid
they will not get the compensation offered to IDPs by the
government if they were to go back home.

However, IOM and UN-HABITAT are to carry out assessment needs
for early recovery in selected areas, prioritising urban areas
where IDPs are anticipated to return to eventually.

For further information, please contact:

Rose Ogola

IOM Kenya

Tel: +254 20 4444 174/167

E-mail: "mailto:rogola@iom.int">rogola@iom.int