Govt confirms 14 learners lost their lives in Elgeyo Marakwet landslide
By Kenneth Mwenda, November 3, 2025The government has moved to support schools and candidates affected by the Marakwet landslide, as officials confirmed that 14 learners are among the dead in Elgeyo Marakwet County. The tragedy struck on Saturday, November 1, 2025, destroying homes and cutting off villages during heavy rains across the region.
In a press release on Monday, November 3, 2025, Basic Education Principal Secretary Julius Bitok said the state will ensure all affected candidates sit for their national examinations despite the disaster. He spoke in Nairobi while supervising the opening of KCSE exam containers at the Westlands Deputy County Commissioner’s offices.
“We have mobilised all resources to make sure candidates continue with examinations without interruption. No candidate will be disadvantaged because of the weather or the disaster,” he said.
Also watch: Government intensifies rescue operations in Marakwet as landslides claim 25 lives.
According to the Ministry, 28 primary and secondary schools in the affected region face disruption after bridges collapsed and roads washed away. The landslide and related floods have affected 1,867 candidates in Junior Secondary and Form Four classes. Bitok said helicopters, all-terrain vehicles and other transport support will deliver and collect exam papers from cut-off areas.
He added that the Ministry is working with Interior officials, county authorities and humanitarian agencies to evacuate families and relocate candidates to safe alternative centres.
“This is a painful situation. We are saddened by the loss of young lives. We send our condolences to the families,” he said.
Death toll still rising
Search and recovery operations are still underway, with officials confirming at least 28 deaths so far – a figure that includes two people killed in a rockfall on Monday and 14 learners lost in the landslide.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen warned that the toll may rise as teams continue combing villages swept away by mud and debris. On Sunday, November 2, 2025, he said 25 people were still missing.
The CS has also sent a message of condolence to the affected families.
Most victims came from one extended family, making the loss particularly devastating for the community in Endo Ward. Other fatalities were reported in Embobut and Sambirir wards. Rescue teams have deployed helicopters, ambulances and heavy machinery to find survivors and clear blocked access roads.
The government has delivered food, bedding and medical supplies to displaced households and urged Kenyans to support affected families. Authorities are also working with humanitarian partners to provide psychosocial support to those who lost relatives.
The disaster followed heavy overnight rains, which triggered mudslides in several parts of the county.
CS Murkomen warned that continuous rainfall increases the risk of further landslides and urged residents in vulnerable areas to move to safer ground.
Meanwhile, PS Bitok expressed satisfaction with exam procedures nationwide as KCSE theory papers began.
“All containers opened on time today and papers moved without incident. We will deliver a credible and secure examination process,” he added.