The death toll from the devastating landslide in Elgeyo Marakwet County has risen to 30 as search and recovery efforts intensify, government spokesperson Isaac Mwaura confirmed on Monday.
A special military police unit, supported by three trained sniffer dogs, has been deployed to bolster ongoing operations in the affected areas.
According to Mwaura, 30 bodies have been recovered so far, while the number of missing persons has decreased to 19.
Fifteen survivors who had been hospitalized have been discharged and are now receiving post-recovery and psychosocial support at Iten County Referral Hospital and Tambach Sub-County Hospital.
17 others remain admitted at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH) in Eldoret, where they continue to receive specialized care.
“The emergency response has now transitioned from rescue to mitigation to prevent further disasters by establishing temporary shelters and clustering of affected families based on their level of need,” Mwaura said in a statement.
The government has deployed disaster response specialists through the Ministry of Health (MOH) to reinforce ongoing operations.
These include mental health officers providing psychosocial support to affected families, as well as teams offering WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) services to prevent disease outbreaks in temporary settlements.
Mwaura noted that previously inaccessible roads have been cleared, restoring vital connectivity and allowing for the efficient transportation of food and non-food items to affected communities.
Relief supplies continue to reach displaced residents as part of the government’s coordinated humanitarian intervention.
Infrastructure restoration is also underway. Kenya Power technicians are working to restore electricity, while engineers from the North Rift Water Works are repairing damaged pipelines to ensure immediate resumption of water supply in the region.
The landslide, triggered by heavy rainfall over the past week, has caused widespread destruction in parts of Elgeyo Marakwet, displacing dozens of families and destroying homes, roads, and farmlands.
Local authorities have urged residents in high-risk areas to relocate to safer grounds as mitigation efforts continue.
Emergency responders from the National Disaster Management Unit (NDMU), Kenya Defence Forces (KDF), and local volunteers remain on the ground, combing through debris and mud in search of the missing persons.
The government has assured continued support to affected families, including humanitarian aid, relocation assistance, and mental health services.
“We are committed to ensuring no one is left behind as we work to restore safety and normalcy,” Mwaura said.
As recovery efforts continue, officials are warning of possible secondary landslides due to ongoing rains, urging vigilance and adherence to safety advisories issued by disaster response agencies.
