Relief efforts have been intensified in Marakwet East, with the government airlifting food and non-food items to families affected by the devastating landslide.
Interior Cabinet Secretary, Kipchumba Murkomen, said the emergency supplies, drawn from the Ministry of Interior, the State Department for Special Programmes, and well-wishers, were being flown to remote, inaccessible areas cut off by floods and landslides.
“We have flagged off food and non-food items from our Ministry, the State Department for Special Programmes, and well-wishers, which have been airlifted to the people affected by the tragedy,” said Murkomen.
The consignment includes 600 bags of rice, 520 bags of beans, 1,000 blankets, 300 mattresses, 30 boxes of soap, and 10 bales of sanitary towels. Murkomen said the government’s top priority remains saving lives, rescuing the missing, and ensuring that displaced families receive adequate humanitarian support.
“We have kicked off day two of the search and rescue of the victims of the Marakwet East landslide disaster,” he said. “Our priority remains saving lives and providing relief to those affected.”
The County Government of Elgeyo Marakwet has also established a structured framework to coordinate aid from individuals, organisations, and well-wishers. The county has issued a paybill system to ensure accountability and transparency in donations, alongside setting up designated drop-off points for physical aid.
Residents and organisations willing to assist can now deliver their donations to the following centres: St. Barnaba Kimumu, the Governor’s Office in Iten, the Deputy County Commissioner’s Office in Chesoi, Marakwet East, and the Holy Family Church in Kapsowar, Marakwet West.
“To the many people who are making inquiries on how they can support the victims, the County Government of Elgeyo Marakwet has set up a framework for channeling the contributions from the public and organisations,” Murkomen explained, encouraging well-wishers to use the official donation points.
The Interior CS commended the collaborative effort between government agencies, humanitarian organisations, and volunteers who continue to assist in rescue and relief operations.
“I wish to laud the continued support of the Kenya Defence Forces, National Police Service, NGAOs, Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital, County Government of Elgeyo Marakwet, National Disaster Operation Centre, the Kenya Red Cross, and other non-state actors and the general public,” he stated.
By Rennish Okong’o
