The government has assured the public that national examinations will proceed as scheduled despite the mudslide tragedy in Elgeyo Marakwet County that has claimed 22 lives and left 29 people missing.

In a joint press statement released on Sunday morning, November 2, 2025, at Eldoret Airstrip, Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura said the Ministry of Education has put in place measures to ensure candidates in the affected areas continue their exams without disruption.

“This tragedy has disrupted the ongoing exams. However, the government, through the Ministry of Education, has organised for the exams to continue uninterrupted. For the affected schools, the exams will be airlifted and for the one student whose left hand was injured, they will do the exam in the hospital,” said Mwaura.

The statement, titled “Joint Press Statement by the Multi-Agency Team on the 4th Update of the Mudslide Incident at Elgeyo Marakwet,” outlined logistical efforts to support learners and teachers in the disaster-hit areas.

The government has also assured support to affected families.

Rescue operations underway

The mudslide, triggered by heavy rains on November 1, 2025, struck parts of Marakwet East Constituency, displacing several families and disrupting learning activities.

According to the government, a coordinated response involving multiple agencies is ongoing. The Ministry of Education, Ministry of Interior and National Administration, Kenya Defence Forces, National Police Service, and the Kenya Red Cross Society are all engaged in rescue and humanitarian operations.

Currently, 21 people—14 adults and seven children—are admitted at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH) in Eldoret. “The government remains committed to ensuring those injured receive the care and support they deserve. Our thoughts are with them as they recover,” read the press release.

Recovery efforts

On Saturday, November 1, 2025, senior government officials, including the Principal Secretary from the National Treasury and the Governor of Elgeyo Marakwet County, visited the victims at MTRH to assess their conditions and offer condolences to affected families.

Two additional patients were airlifted to the facility for specialised treatment, while two more bodies were recovered as search and recovery operations continued through the night.

“The government is fully committed to supporting the affected communities and families and is working tirelessly to ensure the safety and well-being of all residents,” said Mwaura.

Authorities have urged residents in landslide-prone areas to remain vigilant as heavy rains persist across parts of the Rift Valley region.