Nine people remain missing following the devastating mudslide in Elgeyo Marakwet County, the government has confirmed.
The death toll has risen to 39, while three survivors are still hospitalised and receiving medical and psychosocial support.
Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura said the State has been working around the clock through a coordinated multi-agency response.
“Since the incident, the Government through the Multi-Agency Team established on the ground, has worked tirelessly to restore normalcy in the affected areas,” he said.
The team is coordinating search and rescue efforts, medical services and humanitarian assistance.
It is also working with the county government to support nearly 200 affected households whose homes and livelihoods were destroyed.
“The Multi-Agency Emergency Response Team was established to coordinate search and rescue, medical services and all humanitarian assistance efforts… to stabilise the situation and support recovery for approximately 200 affected households,” Mwaura noted.
Search and rescue operations were paused to allow families to hold burials in an orderly and dignified manner.
“Search and rescue operations were temporarily halted to allow families and communities to proceed with burial preparations in dignity and order,” the statement said.
Two victims from Kibendo in Emsoo Ward were buried on November 14.
Eight others — five from Embobut and three from Sambirir — were buried on Wednesday in Marakwet East. A major funeral service for 31 victims will be held on Friday, November 21, at Chesongoch Centre.
Twenty-five of the victims will be laid to rest at the same venue.
The government has also restored key infrastructure to help the community recover.
“Critical infrastructure that had been destroyed, including roads, water systems, power, bridges, medical facilities and parts of the local shopping centre, has already been restored,” the spokesperson said.
He added that this has enabled movement, access to essential services and consistent delivery of humanitarian aid.
Mwaura acknowledged the heavy toll the disaster has taken and thanked partners and citizens who have offered support.
“The Government remains deeply grateful to our partners and all individuals who have offered their support and remains conscious of the pain endured by the affected families and community,” he said.
He assured families that the government will continue to cover all burial expenses and offer full support throughout the mourning period.
Mwaura added: “The Government affirms its unwavering commitment to stand with the affected families, sustain long-term recovery measures, and build resilience against future climate-related disasters.”
