As heavy rainfall continues to pound many parts of Kenya, the government has called for vigilance, urging residents in highland, landslide-prone areas to move to safer grounds.

The caution comes at the moment when devastating landslides reported in Elgeyo Marakwet County on Friday, October 31, 2025, have claimed more than 26 lives.

While a rescue mission in Elgeyo Marakwet, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has cautioned that the risk of landslides in Kenya’s Kerio Valley regions is heightened during the ongoing rains.

Also watch: Two dead as massive rockfall hits Kibendo in Elgeyo Marakwet.

Government’s directive

”As heavy rainfall continues to be experienced across several parts of the country, the risk of landslides, especially along the Kerio Valley region, is heightened. Last night, a rockfall incident in the Kibendo area of Keiyo North claimed two lives and injured three others,” Murkomen said on Monday, November 3, 2025.

”I extend my heartfelt condolences to the families and friends of the deceased and wish a quick recovery to those who were injured. I commend our law enforcement officers, NGAOs, the County Government of Elgeyo-Marakwet and the Red Cross for their quick response and continued alertness to disaster incidents in the area,” the CS added.

Kipchumba Murkomen has urged residents in the region to be aware of their surroundings and to report any signs of earth movements to local authorities.

Chiefs and Assistant Chiefs in the region are under instruction to move people to safer grounds in areas where earth movements are detected or have been experienced in the past.

Also watch: Government swiftly responds to Marakwet landslide, assures support to affected families.

Meanwhile, as the country comes to terms with the loss of lives and property, below are five major causes of landslides;

Causes of landslides

Heavy rainfall

Prolonged or intense rainfall saturates the soil, reducing its stability and causing it to slide down slopes.

Earthquakes

Tremors and ground shaking loosen the soil and rocks on slopes, often triggering landslides in mountainous areas.

Human activities

Activities such as deforestation, mining, road construction, and poor farming practices weaken the land and make it more prone to sliding.

Volcanic eruptions

Explosive volcanic activity can produce loose ash and debris that slide down the slopes rapidly, forming volcanic landslides (lahars).

Slope overloading

Adding excessive weight on slopes — for example, through buildings, roads, or accumulated debris — can increase pressure and cause the slope to fail.