National and County government officials, alongside the Kenya Red Cross Society, have conducted a comprehensive assessment of landslide-affected areas in Kipkaa, Siroch, and along the Iten–Kabarnet road following destructive mudslides triggered by heavy rains.
The assessment, led by Keiyo North Deputy County Commissioner Michael Odulwo, established that at least ten households were affected by the mudslides that occurred on May 2, leaving families homeless and forcing many residents to flee for safety.
Odulwo said five households were displaced in Kipkaa sub-location, where homes were destroyed by the mudslides. “Five households have been displaced in the area. We also visited the Kolol area along the Iten–Kabarnet road, where a landslide blocked the road, disrupting transport and forcing many travellers to spend the night on the road,” he said.
He added that response teams from the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) had deployed machinery to clear debris and restore access, noting that the equipment remains on standby as rains persist.
In the Siroch area, Odulwo confirmed that another five households were displaced, with approximately 50 more at risk should the heavy rains continue. “We have engaged residents and cautioned them against settling or cultivating on steep slopes, as this increases the risk of landslides,” he said.
The Kenya Red Cross Society distributed food supplies and bedding to affected families in Kipkaa, providing immediate humanitarian support. No fatalities were reported, with residents credited for swift rescue efforts that ensured all community members were accounted for.
County Executive Committee Member for Water, Environment, and Climate Change, Isaac Koech, who was part of the assessment team, indicated that three houses were completely destroyed out of the ten affected households.
“These are fragile escarpment zones. The County government is planning to introduce vegetation cover such as avocado and coffee farming to stabilise the soil and mitigate future landslides,” said Koech. “Going forward, the community must adopt sustainable land use practices to prevent recurrence of such disasters,” he added.
The County Executive urged residents living along steep escarpments to relocate to safer areas and desist from farming activities that weaken soil structure. He assured that the County government would prioritise long-term mitigation measures to safeguard lives and property.
Also present was Chief Officer for Lands and Disaster Management, Thomas Maiyo, who underscored the need for coordinated disaster response and community preparedness.
“My advice to residents is to avoid living in landslide-prone zones and to embrace soil conservation measures, including tree planting,” he said.
“We have activated multi-agency disaster response units to support the county government in managing the situation.” Maiyo added.
County Coordinator for Kenya Red Cross Society, Cheruiyot Abraham, said the organisation had issued early warning alerts to residents ahead of the disaster.
“It is our mandate to support the government during such emergencies. We had sent alert messages to residents, prompting some to relocate. However, those who remained were affected. We continue to urge those in high-risk areas to move to safer grounds,” said Cheruiyot.
He added that the Red Cross would continue working closely with both levels of government to support affected communities.
Despite the absence of fatalities, residents suffered significant property losses, including livestock and household items. Reports indicate that sheep, chickens, sacks of maize, clothing, and utensils were destroyed during the incident.
Authorities have pledged to construct new houses for displaced families and intensify public awareness campaigns on disaster risk reduction. Residents have also been urged to plant trees and adopt soil conservation practices as part of long-term climate resilience strategies.
The national and county governments reaffirmed their commitment to coordinated interventions to ensure the safety and recovery of affected communities as heavy rains continue to pound the region.
By Rennish Okong’o and June Jebet
