Elgeyo Marakwet landslide death toll hits 30 as search efforts intensify
By Kenneth Mwenda, November 3, 2025The government has announced that the death toll from the Elgeyo Marakwet landslide has risen to 30, as emergency teams continue search and recovery operations in the affected villages.
In a press release issued on Monday, November 3, 2025, the Office of the Government Spokesperson said the number includes two people killed earlier in the day in Keiyo North after rocks crashed into their home.
“As of today, the government confirms that 30 bodies have been recovered. The number of missing persons has reduced to 19,” the press release reads in part.
“In addition, 15 persons have been discharged and are receiving post-recovery and psychosocial support at Iten County Referral Hospital and Tambach Sub-County Hospital and 17 are still recuperating at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH).”
Also watch: Government intensifies rescue operations in Marakwet as landslides claim lives.
More than 6,000 households have been affected by flooding and landslides during the ongoing October–November–December rains.
The government said the disaster has caused widespread destruction of homes, farmland and infrastructure in Elgeyo Marakwet, as well as in Trans Nzoia, Tana River, Baringo, Central Kenya, Northern Kenya and parts of Nairobi. Families have been displaced, and many have lost their livelihoods.
According to the statement, multi-agency teams, Chaired by the Director of the National Disaster Operation Centre (NDOC) in partnership with the Kenya Red Cross and other non-state actors, are conducting search and rescue, relief distribution, tracing, and psycho-social support to assist the affected persons and communities.
Rescue efforts wind down
A special military police unit, backed by three sniffer dogs, has been deployed to assist in locating those still unaccounted for.
With hopes of finding survivors diminishing, the response is now shifting from rescue to mitigation. Temporary shelters have been set up, and families are being grouped according to their level of need to ensure they receive appropriate support.
The Ministry of Health has sent disaster response officers and mental health specialists to the region. Water and hygiene services are being provided to prevent disease outbreaks among displaced residents.
The government said most blocked roads have now been cleared, restoring access to cut-off villages and allowing delivery of essential supplies. Kenya Power is working to repair damaged electricity lines, while engineers from the North Rift Water Works are restoring water supply.
Despite the disaster, officials said national examinations will continue uninterrupted. Basic Education Principal Secretary Julius Bitok visited affected schools on Monday to inspect preparations. Exam papers are being airlifted to centres that remain inaccessible by road, and alternative venues have been arranged. Hospitalised candidates will also be supported to sit their papers.
The government urged residents in landslide-prone and flood-risk areas to move to safer ground, and advised motorists to avoid risky routes until water levels subside. It also thanked rescue workers, volunteers and humanitarian organisations for their support.