Four days after a deadly mudslide swept through villages in Elgeyo Marakwet, authorities have updated the casualty figures, confirming 34 deaths and noting that search teams are still pursuing 17 missing people.
Thirteen survivors are receiving care at the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital, while four patients have been released after treatment.
The tragedy struck before dawn on November 1 in Marakwet East after intense rains loosened soil on the steep terrain, burying homes and carrying away families. The incident has left a trail of destruction, uprooting livelihoods and displacing thousands who are now depending on humanitarian support.
Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura said more than 6,000 households across Elgeyo Marakwet and other regions — including Trans Nzoia, Tana River, Baringo, Central and parts of Northern Kenya as well as Nairobi — have been affected by flooding and landslides during this rainy season.
A joint government response team led by Water Cabinet Secretary Eric Muuga, Deborah Barasa from the Climate and Environment docket and the governors of Elgeyo Marakwet and West Pokot has been stationed in the affected area overseeing emergency assistance and rebuilding work.
Mwaura said the combined efforts of security units and local volunteers continue.
“Today, the focus has been on accelerating recovery and resettlement efforts. Trucks carrying essential food and non-food items were dispatched to reach the displaced families, marking a significant step in restoring normalcy to the region,” he stated.
The Ministry of Water reported that the Mulwaber Water Intake and about 1.7 kilometres of pipeline were destroyed. Muuga noted that water bowsers have been sent to ensure constant supply of clean water and that drilling for two boreholes will begin soon.
Temporary sanitation facilities are being set up in shelters hosting affected families.
“A technical team has been left to assess the full extent of damage to water infrastructure, including the Mulwaber Irrigation Scheme project,” Muuga said.
Barasa highlighted that daily weather updates are being shared with counties and emergency response teams, adding that vulnerable locations in Garissa, Tana River, Mandera, Turkana, West Pokot, Elgeyo Marakwet, Baringo, Kisumu, Busia, Narok and the Coast region — including Kilifi, Kwale, Mombasa and Lamu — are under close watch. She added that ongoing awareness efforts are encouraging people in danger-prone zones to relocate to safer ground.
Satellite data has pointed to the possibility of a tropical cyclone forming over the western Indian Ocean, which could influence rain patterns along coastal and eastern areas.
Authorities have urged fisherfolk and coastal settlements to monitor advisories and take precautions.
Support continues pouring in from institutions and humanitarian partners. The Co-operative Bank has donated Sh5 million, while Saint Barnabas Catholic Church has contributed 1.5 tonnes of clothing.
World Vision Kenya, West Pokot County and the Ministry of Special Programmes have delivered rice, beans, mattresses, blankets and hygiene supplies, with CS Muuga donating 20 bales of rice.
“The Multi-Agency Team on the ground continues to oversee distribution of these items to stabilise livelihoods and ensure that no affected household is left behind,” the government said.
A specialised military police team with three sniffer dogs is participating in the search, and temporary shelters have been organised based on need.
Medical specialists and psychological support officers from the Ministry of Health are offering services to affected families.
Crews have reopened blocked roads, Kenya Power technicians are repairing damaged electricity lines, and North Rift Water Works engineers are restoring water systems.
Authorities are advising residents living in insecure terrain to move to safe areas and avoid flooded paths and rivers. They also thanked rescue workers, community volunteers and partners supporting recovery.
